If everyone cycled for an hour a day and reduced their driving by an equivalent distance, the U.S. could cut its gasoline consumption by 38 percent. Greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by about 12 percent, which is greater than the reductions called for in the Kyoto treaty (which the U.S. saw as too onerous and never signed).

To add to the bargain, the average person would lose about thirteen pounds a year.

Pedaling Revolution. Jeff Mapes.