Don’t emit carbon. Ride it.

Ideas grow better in the cold, this is a scientifically unvalidated but nevertheless unquestionnably true fact. In a cold environment, the blood is reallocated to core organs, and maybe the brain gets an extra supply of oxygen that contributes to creativity, who knows? Anyhow, winter cycling is also very relaxing because there is hardly anything else to do than pedalling. During the past few years, I have attempted to switch my commuting from car driving to cycling, irrespectively of seasons and weather. A one way ride (18.6 km, 242 m elevation gain) typically takes 40–45 min in spring-summer-fall, while in winter negative temperatures and low tire pressure (to have a better grip on ice) mean a ride takes a generous 1h 15 min.

With a reasonable amount of planning and sweat, I have found that it is possible to substantially cut carbon emissions from commuting even in an unlikely setting. I can save on average 1 ton of carbon emissions annually by not commuting with my car. Meanwhile, a French report by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies found out that 58% of journeys less than 1 km (!) to work were by car.  Time to get some exercise!