Biking to Work
骑自行车上班
More Americans than ever are riding their bicycles to work instead of driving.
在美国,骑自行车而非开车上班的人比以往要多。
They are doing this because of gas prices,a slowing economy and concerns about the environment.
他们选择自行车是因为油价上涨,经济放缓以及对环境问题的担忧。
Riding a bicycle to work does not burn fossil fuel or create dangerous pollutants.
骑自行车上班不需要燃烧化石燃料,也不会产生有害的污染物。
Experts say the effects are the most important on short trips.
专家指出,这种方式对短途出行见效最显著,
The Department of Transportation says fifty percent of Americans drive eight kilometers or fewer to work.
交通部指出,50%的美国人开车上班的行程是8公里甚至更少。
Shorter car trips release more pollution into the air for each kilometer driven.
短途开车平均每行驶一公里会对空气释放更多的污染物,
This is because the device in a car engine that reduces the harmfulness of emissions needs to warm up before it can work well.
因为降低尾气有害性的汽车装置,在其发挥作用之前需要加热。
Members of Congress have supported bicycling as environmentally friendly transportation.
国会成员也指出自行车这一环保的交通工具。
Cities, counties, state governments and state highway transportation agencies are planning the roadways of the future.
各级政府和交通部正规划未来的道路,
They are creating roads and paths for bicycles in cities and between communities.
他们正在设计城市社区之间的自行车专用道。