What are the benefits of commuting by bike? Here are nine reasons why cycling to work is surprisingly brilliant
The benefits to your fitness, the environment and your wallet are the big ones – but we’ve got a few more that might surprise you
- 1. Your bike won't go on strike
- 2. You get fitter without trying
- 3. You don't need to own a bike, or even cycle the whole way
- 4. Everyone gets around quicker when more people cycle
- 5. With Cycle to Work, now we can all 'evade' tax
- 6. When you're on a bike, you're not checking your phone
- 7. Cycling has a predictable commute time
- 8. Get to know your city better
- 9. It's warmer than standing around on a draughty platform
For anyone who commutes to work on two wheels, the benefits are huge – and becoming increasingly more attractive as the roads are clogged with increasing numbers of cars, and public transport continues to regularly get hit by delays and strikes.
Bike hire schemes, the Cycle to Work initiative, increasing cycle infrastructure and widespread provision of bike parking/showers in the workplace mean that cycling is a convenient, quick and easy way to travel to work.
Here we take a look at the benefits of commuting by bike to work, and why more people should do it.
1. Your bike won't go on strike
When London Underground staff take part in industrial action the use of London's hire bikes spikes as people try and find an alternative way of getting to work.
But what if cycling is your number one choice anyway? A well maintained bike won't go on strike, and with the right equipment and clothes you can keep commuting throughout the year.
2. You get fitter without trying
Everyone knows this one, but just think about it: instead of stewing on a crowded bus or sitting alone in your car in a queue of single occupancy cars, you're exercising as a by product of getting to work. Win win.
If you're looking for some easily completable efforts to mix up your commute, try this 'big gear minutes' cycling workout which improves your fitness by specifically working to increase your pedalling force.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
3. You don't need to own a bike, or even cycle the whole way
If you live near a cycle hire scheme such as London's Boris bikes or Reading's ReadyBikes then there are bikes available for commuters and tourists alike.
What's more, thanks to the proliferation of docking stations you don't need to ride the whole way from home to work: a combination of a train journey and a pedal in the sun can give you the benefits of cycling without the need for a change of clothes or arriving sweaty.
4. Everyone gets around quicker when more people cycle
Some motorists complain that cyclists get in the way and cause delays. But in truth, if everyone doing short journeys by car switched to more sustainable forms of transport - bicycle, bus, or even a car share - then the volume of traffic would decrease.
As a result of the decrease, trades people in vans, taxi drivers and others whose use of a motor vehicle is essential would be able to get to where they need to be much quicker.
5. With Cycle to Work, now we can all 'evade' tax
This is a way in which tax can be used is to incentivise people to do things that benefit society, in this case get on their bikes. It's not the most straight forward scheme to get your head around, but essentially you save money and spread the cost of a new bike.
6. When you're on a bike, you're not checking your phone
Research from media regulator Ofcom suggests that the average British adult now spends over eight hours a day on media devices like smartphones, tablets and computers. That's longer than they spend sleeping.
Unless you have a reckless disregard for your own safety, it's unlikely you'll be checking Twitter or posting selfies to Instagram whilst riding to work. This time on the bike can be a welcome rest from the bombardment of information we are subject to for the rest of the day - make the most of it!
7. Cycling has a predictable commute time
After you have ridden into work and back a couple of times, you get a feel for exactly how long your ride takes. If your commute uses quieter roads or cycle paths, then you will not suffer at the hands of traffic jams.
And, it goes without saying, that you won't have to stand around waiting for a cancelled train or bus...
That makes it very easy to know exactly how long it will take, door-to-door – but remember to build in a bit of time for getting your bike safely locked up at work and having a shower/getting changed.
8. Get to know your city better
Know the London's tube network off by heart but clueless as soon as you resurface into the real world? No such problem when cycling is your choice of transport.
There's no better way to learn about your neighbourhood - and beyond its limits - than cycling. Exploring quiet side streets and discovering new places to visit is part and parcel with cycling in the city. You may even discover a new café that you didn't know existed, right around the corner from where you live. Strap one of the best bike and helmet cameras to you or your bike and you can document your adventures.
9. It's warmer than standing around on a draughty platform
Although the perception of cycling into work might be that you have to brave the elements, it's actually one of the warmer ways of getting into work on a winter's day. No standing around on a windswept platform or bus stop. And even a car can be an inhospitable place until the heating kicks in.
Wear the right clothes, including the best commuter cycling jacket and the best waterproof cycling trousers, and a bit of rain and cold will not worry you in the slightest. Good quality waterproof and windproof clothing can be bought relatively cheaply now, so there's no excuse not to be properly equipped and to keep warm as your working muscles provide natural heating.
In the summer, there's no better way to start the day than a ride in the warm and sun – the only problem might be having to stop cycling and start working.
And if you're out in the fresh air, your fellow commuter won't be sneezing or coughing all over you, so there's less chance of catching something nasty too.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
I’ve been hooked on bikes ever since the age of 12 and my first lap of the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit in the bright yellow kit of the Hillingdon Slipstreamers. For a time, my cycling life centred around racing road and track.
But that’s since broadened to include multiday two-wheeled, one-sleeping-bag adventures over whatever terrain I happen to meet - with a two-week bikepacking trip from Budapest into the mountains of Slovakia being just the latest.
I still enjoy lining up on a start line, though, racing the British Gravel Championships and finding myself on the podium at the enduro-style gravel event, Gritfest in 2022.
Height: 177cm
Weight: 60–63kg
-
We rode and reviewed the Ouray, Parlee Cycles' first new bike model since facing bankruptcy
The storied American brand continues with a Portugal-made carbon steed that goes zoom but doesn’t fit like a race bike
By Tyler Boucher Published
-
Forget distance covered, these are the key stats to note in your Strava Year in Sport
We asked a coach how to best analyse our end of year Strava data
By Tom Davidson Published
-
It’s ‘Cycle Commuting’ week on Cycling Weekly - here's how to get ready for Bike to Work Week
From 11-16th April here at Cycling Weekly we’ll be doing our bit to provide you with the tips and advice that make commuting to work by bike a breeze!
By Anna Marie Abram Published
-
Strava launches new ‘docking station’ map layer to help urban cyclists better plan their routes
New map layer shows over 71,000 docking stations worldwide from more than 601 bikeshare and scooter schemes
By Anna Marie Hughes Published
-
Ask a coach: ‘How fit can I get on a 10-mile commute to work?’
Here’s how to best go about mixing up your commute for maximum fitness gains
By James Spragg Published
-
Five tips for bike commuting to work
To help you better navigate your ride to work, we share our top tips on getting to A to B during rush hour safely
By Luke Friend Published
-
Cycling workout of the week #10: Big gear minutes - ideal for mixing up your cycle commute [1hr]
Do if…you want include some easily completable efforts into your commute – or regular rides – and improve your pedalling force
By Andy Turner Published