2011 First-Class Forever Stamp,Go Green: Ride a Bike

U.S. #4524j

2011 44¢ Ride a Bike

Go Green

Issue Date: April 14, 2011

City: Washington, DC

Quantity: 160,000,000

Printed By: Avery Dennison

Printing Method: Photogravure

Color: Multicolored

Traffic is at a standstill, horns honking, engines are idling and pumping carbon dioxide and other harmful gasses into hazy skies.  It is a typical rush hour in the city.  Yet other commuters bypass most of that hassle, speeding to work on a bicycle.  It is an increasingly common sight in today’s cities, and a positive step for a greener world.  

Riding a bike is a fun activity that can be shared with family and friends.  It also offers health benefits through exercise in the open air.  But riding a bike is also part of a “green” lifestyle that is better for the environment as well as the individual.  Most car trips cover short distances.  Exhaust emissions are highest when a car is first started, so the impact of those short trips is considerably greater.  Five one-mile trips in a car create more pollution than a single 15-mile trip.  Making those one-mile trips on a bike eliminates that pollution.  It also offers savings in gas used and parking fees.   

Cities and states are increasingly supportive of cyclists, who reduce traffic congestion and the need for vehicle parking space.  Specially created bike paths and lanes give cyclists a safe area to ride.  As more people trade in four wheels for two, bicycling is becoming more than just a leisure activity; it is an important element of “green” living.