In today’s fast-paced world, where time is of the essence, finding alternative ways to commute to work has become a popular choice for many.
Biking to work, also known as bike commuting, offers numerous benefits that improve physical health, save money, and contribute to a greener environment, but is it feasible to get to work safely, on time, and without entering the office like a sweaty mess?
Of course! The infrastructure surrounding biking and e-biking is doing nothing but growing, and Edenred’s Micromobility benefits are here to support the change.
That depends on the individual, but when you tally the plus side of the column it’s hard to argue with the positives of being a bike commuter.
Bike commuting brings a wide array of benefits to individuals and the overall community.
Let’s dive into some of the most significant advantages:
Biking to work is an excellent form of exercise, providing an opportunity to get the heart pumping and muscles working.
Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, improves cardiovascular strength, and enhances overall fitness levels.
Tip: Ensure your bike ride aligns with your fitness level. Start with shorter distances and gradually increase the distance as your stamina improves. Ride at a relaxed pace.
Cycling releases endorphins, the hormones that promote happiness, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity.
Regular bike commutes have mental health benefits, positively impacting your overall well-being and reducing the risk of mental health issues.
Cycling to work has also been shown to improve memory, concentration, and creativity.
Tip: Explore scenic routes to enhance the enjoyment and stress relief of your bike commute. Nature has a calming effect on the mind.
Commuting by bike eliminates fuel costs, parking fees, and public transportation expenses, saving money while also reducing your carbon footprint.
Bike commuting significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional modes of transportation. By choosing bikes over cars, you contribute to a cleaner and greener environment.
Tip: Opt for an e-bike if you have a longer work commute or encounter hilly terrains. Electric bikes provide pedal assistance, allowing you to reach higher speeds with less effort.
In congested urban areas, biking to work may be much faster than driving or using public transportation.
Bicycles offer better maneuverability, allowing you to bypass traffic and arrive at your destination on time.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable bike commute, plan ahead, and follow these practical tips:
1. Get the Right Bike for the Job
Invest in a reliable bike. Purchase a well-maintained and suitable bicycle for commuting.
Consider factors such as comfort, durability, and your specific commuting needs. Opt for a hybrid or commuter bike with features like fenders and racks for carrying essentials.
Are E-Bikes Good for Commuting?
The typical e-bike emits 2.5g of CO2/mile, while the average car emits 411g/mile, so it’s better for the environment as well as the body. Riding an electric bike burns 300 to 400 calories/hour.
There’s also the time-saving factor to consider. E-bikes are faster than regular bikes, making them better for longer commutes or carrying a heavy load.
2. Safety First: Check Your Bike
Before starting your bike ride, inspect your bicycle for any maintenance issues.
Look to see if your tires are properly inflated, brakes are functional, and all lights are working correctly. Regularly maintain your bike to ensure a safe ride home.
Tip: Visit your local bike shop for a comprehensive bike check-up to guarantee a smooth commute or to find a new bike to start cycling to work.
Start by determining your commute time using Google Maps. Input your destination.
Click the “Cycling Icon” on the top left to find a bike-friendly route complete with distances and estimated time to arrive.
Once you know the distance you’re traveling, determine how far you can easily ride without running out of energy.
If you get tired after 2 miles and are located 10 miles from work, a regular bicycle won’t cut it, and an electric bike would be the better option.
Familiarize yourself with the best bike routes to your workplace. Consider roads with bike lanes, minimal traffic, and smooth surfaces.
Planning your route helps avoid detours and reduces the risk of getting lost. Planning and preparing a route is an excellent means to reduce stress during a new bike journey.
There are several good bicycle mapping apps and mapping tools, including Koot and Ride using GPS, but apps like Google Maps will also be helpful in bike mode as noted.
This helps generate a quieter and easier way for cyclists to go to work.
Most bike phone mounts can easily be installed and used to help show bike routes as you’re underway.
Tip: Utilize mobile applications or online platforms specifically designed for mapping bike-friendly routes.
Wear comfortable clothing and always consider the weather conditions. By dressing in layers, it allows you to adjust to any temperature changes during your ride.
You don’t need Lycra or Spandex for riding your bicycle.
If you can comfortably wear normal clothes without hindering your ability to move on a bike, everything else will work out. It’s important to prepare a comfortable commuting wardrobe.
Tip: Invest in reflective gear or attach front and rear lights to your bike to increase visibility, especially during low-light conditions.
The problem cyclists have in traffic is they can’t be seen from parked cars or small vehicles.
You can opt to wear clothing like reflective vests that allow drivers to see your body and your vehicle easily. Alternatively, it’s possible to just add reflective adhesive tape to your bike helmet.
You can become visible by other means, too. Bike lights have an enormous impact on the road. Look for a bike that has a headlight and a backlight.
Generally, if your bike lacks this security feature, you may need to buy and install it yourself or ask for them to do it at your local bicycle store.
Tip: Always watch out for car doors!
Depending on where you live, the weather conditions might not always be suitable for taking a bike to work.
It’s important to have a reliable fallback—sustainable transportation. Opt for trains, buses, or carpools if you need to get to work year-round despite the weather.
Tip: Conditions can often change during the day, so make sure to keep a rain jacket and rain pants in with your work gear when you start commuting by bike. In the winter months, appropriate cold weather cycling gear is imperative, including a hat and gloves.
Pack your work stuff efficiently. Consider using panniers, backpacks, or bike racks to carry your belongings securely.
When traveling in the car, you have the freedom to toss whatever you want in your vehicle! A bike commuter must travel smarter.
Choose the most comfortable way of storing your belongings and ensure any bag on your body is secure and doesn’t move during your ride.
Tip: Keep a spare set of work clothes and personal care items at your workplace to avoid carrying heavy bags. Have a waterproof bag available for traveling during inclement weather.
6. Learn the Rules of the Road
Hand signals might just save your life!
Though some rules are the same, generally, there are different rules for bikes and cars.
Make sure you read up on the laws for riding before you start commuting by bike. Each state might have a slightly different take on what is legal.
Here are a few things to pay attention to:
- Use of bicycle lanes.
- Use of hand signals for turning.
- Know the helmet laws.
- Obey all the traffic laws.
- Bicycles are considered the same as motor vehicles in some states and instances, other times not.
- Stop behind the crosswalk and yield to pedestrians.
- Maintain at least 3 feet of clearance from the curb and vehicles.
- Know the pecking order on the road.
- Pass on the left.
- Sidewalk riding is sometimes allowed, sometimes not.
- Turn on the light when riding after dark.
Is Biking to Work Enough Exercise to Get Fit?
You have to go to work, so use that time to exercise instead of carving out extra hours after work to pay to go to the gym.
Cycling is a low-impact, healthy way to squeeze in some extra calorie burning, combining regular exercise with your daily routine.
Can You Lose Weight Biking to Work?
Commuting on a bicycle can greatly impact weight loss. An average commute of 30 minutes each way adds 5 hours of exercise to your week.
A person who switches to riding on two wheels instead of four in a car to get to work each day loses about 15 pounds in a year.
Does Biking to Work Make You Happier?
Forbes reported that 51% of people felt less stressed during the workday, 42% experienced increased job satisfaction, 40% felt an uptick in their drive to innovate, 30% were less likely to resign in the next six months, and 70% were more energized throughout the day.
Edenred recognizes the importance of micromobility and supports bike commuters through various benefits and offerings.
They understand the positive impact biking to work has on individuals and the environment.
Some of the micromobility benefits include:
Edenred offers subsidies or incentives for employees to purchase bicycles or electric bikes, making bike commuting more accessible and affordable.
Tip: Check if your employer offers these benefits and take advantage of them.
Edenred collaborates with local bike shops and municipalities to improve bike infrastructure, ensuring safer bike routes and promoting a bike-friendly environment.
Edenred provides educational materials and resources to promote bike commuting awareness, safety, and best practices.
Edenred encourages the use of electric bikes as a viable option for bike commuters, offering incentives for e-bike purchases, leases, lease-to-own, or rentals.
Choose from a wide selection of lease options based on your location.
Tip: Explore various e-bike models available in the market and select the one that best suits your commuting needs.
Get in Contact with Edenred Today
It’s time to embrace the freedom and health benefits of bike commuting and be a part of the green revolution.
Biking to work offers numerous physical, mental, financial, and environmental benefits that are easy to take advantage of with a few simple changes.
By incorporating tips for a successful bike commute into your routine and taking advantage of Edenred’s Micromobility benefits, you can make your daily commute an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Schedule a meeting with us today!
