The Japan Productivity Center for Socio-Economic Development (JPC-SED) will launch a survey project called "Let's See It in Figures! Environment and Health Eco-cycle Mileage." The "Eco-cycle Mileage" project is reportedly the first attempt of its kind in the world to indicate in figures the extent to which bicycles--which the organizer says are good for the environment, health, transportation and the economy--can contribute to the prevention of global warming and health promotion.

The JPC-SED will distribute "tripmeters" to 500 bicycle users who will serve as monitors in the project. The monitors will then report their mileage and cycling times. Based on these figures, the amount of CO2 emissions avoided and calories consumed are to be calculated and published through the JPC-SED website as well as other media. The total mileage of all the monitors and participants of this project will be shown in comparable terms, for instance the 53 checkpoints of Japan's historic Tokaido Road (approximately 500 kilometers), a trip around the globe (approx. 40,000 kilometers) and the average distance to the moon (approx. 400,000 kilometers). Apart from that, monitors can apply the mileage to their individual accounts in the ANA Flight Mileage Club.

Through this project the organization aims to highlight the benefits of bicycle use, to raise awareness about bicycle traffic issues, and to obtain firsthand information and opinions about roads and the traffic environment from the cyclist's perspective. It also hopes to contribute to urban development, local dialogue and tourism.

The JPC-SED recruited monitors and general participants via its website, and many people applied. The project will run for three months.



Posted: 2003/11/17 10:06:28 AM
Japanese version

TAG Global warming , NGO/Citizen , Non-manufacturing industry , Transportation