Bicycles are Outselling Cars in Italy

This is exactly the news we like to hear so soon after a race like the Giro: for the first time in 48 years bicycle sales are much higher in Italy than those for cars, according to UPI.

In 2011, bike sales topped cars by about 2,000. But in 2012, Italy saw 1.65 million bikes sold, as opposed to just 1.4 million cars. This is great news, especially if you think about it from an emissions standpoint, but also in terms of general health.

"There is a silent revolution taking place in our cities," said transport undersecretary Erasmo D'Angelis, according to UPI. "It's a true and proper boom of people using bikes as a daily mode of transportation."

Infographic: Cycling Makes People Happier and Healthier

People who ride their bikes to work are happier, have a lower risk of heart disease, save tons of money, and report stronger feelings of freedom, relaxation and excitement than car commuters.