It Pay$ To Ride — 2026 Edition

How much could biking save you in 2026?

The benefits to cities and communities from having more people bike for daily transportation continue to be widely documented. Organizations like the League of American Bicyclists highlight the economic, environmental, and health benefits of active transportation, while the CAA Driving Costs Calculator continues to show how expensive car ownership has become in Canada.

 The 2026 cost of driving

Recent Canadian estimates suggest that owning and operating a vehicle now commonly costs between $5,000 and $16,000+ per year, depending on the vehicle type, financing, insurance, fuel usage, and maintenance.

Using current CAA vehicle ownership calculators and Alberta fuel/operating estimates:

• A compact gas vehicle in Alberta now costs approximately $4,500–$6,000+ per year just in direct operating and ownership costs.

• Full ownership costs for many Canadians are significantly higher once financing, depreciation, parking, and insurance are included.

• Current federal mileage estimates place driving costs at roughly 60¢–70¢ per kilometre depending on vehicle type and usage.

 What if you ride a bike instead?

A good long-term reliable commuter or hybrid bike in 2026 typically costs:

• $700–$1,500 CAD for a quality everyday commuter bike

• Many riders keep these bicycles for 8–15 years with relatively low maintenance costs

Even adding:

• helmet

• lights

• lock

• panniers or basket

• annual tune-ups

…the yearly cost of cycling remains dramatically lower than car ownership.

 Example: Red Deer commuter savings

If an average commuter rides:

• 4 km each way

• 5 days a week

• for approximately 48 weeks a year

That equals about:

1,920 km annually

Using a conservative driving cost estimate of 65¢ per kilometre, choosing to bike instead of drive could save approximately:

 About $1,250 per year

…and that is largely tax-free money staying in your pocket.

That estimate does not include:

• reduced parking costs

• fewer vehicle repairs

• lower fuel usage

• reduced insurance wear-and-tear

• health and wellness benefits

• improved mental well-being

• time spent outdoors and in community

 The more often you ride, the more income you keep

Cycling is not only transportation — it is also:

• recreation

• movement

• stress relief

• climate action

• community connection

And sometimes, it is simply the most joyful way to get somewhere.