Cycling to work is an excellent way to get some exercise and fresh air before starting your day.
And it’s also a lot of fun! It’s also a great way to save money, reduce stress, and leave more space for parking for other commuters.
If you haven’t tried it yet, here are some reasons you should cycle to work.
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Bike commuting is good for your health
Biking to work is a great way to exercise and keep your weight in check. A 2013 study found that men who commuted by bicycle lost an average of 6 pounds in just six months, while women lost an average of 5 pounds.
And since biking at least three times per week can burn up to 500 calories per hour (the equivalent of running), you’ll also enjoy an increased metabolism that will help you lose weight even when you’re not riding.
It’s better for the environment
Biking to work can help reduce your carbon footprint because it’s better for the environment.
Bikes are more efficient than cars and pollute less than public transport. The European Cycling Federation’s study found that a cyclist with a bike emits 0.08 g/km of carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to 1 g/km for a car and 2.5 g/km for an airplane!
In addition to being better for the climate, biking to work is also great for your health: it improves cardiovascular fitness, builds muscle strength in your legs and lower body while reducing risks of back pain and osteoporosis, according to researchers at Stanford University Medical Center.
It’s fun and social when you to bike to work
Biking with friends or family is a great way to make your commute more enjoyable — especially if you live in an area where biking is common. You may even find that riding with others makes your commute faster because you have people to talk with or help keep you motivated when it gets hard (or cold).
Many people choose to bike as part of their commute because it makes them feel safer than driving or taking public transit. If you have friends that bike to work, try carpooling with them for safety in numbers (so you can chat about how much fun it is!).
Or go on group rides with other riders in your area – there are always groups organizing rides on Meetup or Facebook (just search for “bike ride Chicago”).
It costs less than driving
How much are you spending on gas, insurance, and maintenance? Does this include parking fees? Tolls? Tickets?
Many people are also surprised at how inexpensive bicycles can be. Especially when compared to the cost of owning a car or motorcycle.
You can buy a decent quality bicycle for under $100 and get lifetime use out of it without worrying about repair costs. Plus, if you live in an area where the weather does not allow for year-round biking, there are many other options for winter riding, including electric bicycles (e-bikes) or even indoor cycling studios.
It’s easier to find parking
You won’t have to worry about finding a parking space, which means you can just park and go. You’ll also be able to find shade if it’s hot out, so you won’t be broiling over your steering wheel.
And since you’re not worried about parking, you can park closer to the office or where you need to get to.
You show up at work in a better mood
The best part about biking to work is that it’s a great way to start the day. You get to wake up, ride your bike and arrive in a better mood at work than if you’d driven or taken public transportation.
You’re more likely to feel energized and happy and may find that you can focus on the road instead of traffic. Also, if your office has an open floor plan and other people are around, they’ll see that you’re excited about something—and maybe they’ll be inspired by it too!
It is safer to bike to work
It’s safer than getting around in a car. In 2021 alone, there were 42,915 motor vehicle fatalities on U.S. roads — compared with just 7,485 pedestrian deaths (in 2021).
Biking dramatically reduces your risk of injury or death compared with other transportation forms. This makes it an appealing option for many people who may otherwise opt not to leave the house on foot or by bike if they have no other options nearby.
Everyone should bike to work if possible
So, to recap what we’ve learned: biking is good for your health, better for the environment, fun and social, cheaper than driving, easier to find parking at work, makes you feel happier when you get there in a good mood (and less stressed out), and it’s safer than getting around in a car.
Imagine how much money could be saved if everyone drove their cars less often. It might not seem like a big deal now but imagine if everyone started riding bikes instead.
Read also: More and more people choose not to fly: what is the “flight shaming” movement
