17 reasons why biking is a good idea

True eco-confessions time: I never learned to ride a bike. Of course, I never learned to drive a car either, so I think my green cred is in no great danger. But my lack of biking skills means that I was a little surprised by Gavin Hudson's 17 reasons why bicycles are the most popular vehicle in the world today post on the EcoWorldly blog.

Sure, biking is healthy (#2 on the list), and bikes save money (#12 and tangentially #1). And bikes are zero-emission vehicles (#15, though I'd put that higher on the list).

But did you realize that bicycling can break down economic divides and build communities? Bicycle advocacy groups help bring people together in many places.

Cycling is good for public finances too. The Australian government estimates that it saves $227.2 million per year in health costs, thanks to folks on bikes. Aussie cycle sales have spiked for eight years straight.

Maybe it's time for me to hit the road. Not with a car -- certainly not with these crazy gas prices -- but with a bike. About.com has some useful tips for buying and maintaining a bike. Guess I should join the more than a billion bikes around the world.