Considering Commuting by Bike? Here’s the Top 5 Reasons You Might Love It
For many people, commuting to work can be a time-consuming and stressful experience. Sitting in traffic or cramming onto a crowded train or bus can leave you feeling drained before your day has even begun. However, if you already enjoy riding a bike, commuting to work by bicycle could be a fun way to change up your journey to work (plus bonus points for helping the environment and saving you money 😉 ). Here’s the top 5 reasons why you might want to give it a try.
1.Additional Physical Exercise
Commuting to work by bike provides a low-impact, aerobic exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and overall fitness and instead of having to carve time out of your day to get the recommended amount of daily exercise, you can use the time you would have spent in your or jammed in a bus. And since cycling is an aerobic exercise, it can also reduce stress and anxiety, leading to improved mental health and cognitive function for the day ahead. According to the American Heart Association, regular cycling can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
2. Less Stress
In addition to physical health benefits, cycling can also provide a significant boost to mental health. A study conducted by the University of East Anglia found that commuting by bike is associated with a lower risk of developing depression, anxiety, and stress. Reduced stress and anxiety, and improved mood and cognitive function heading into the work day? Yes, please!
3. Money, Money, Money
We all want to save more, and commuting to work by bike can save you money fuel, public transportation, parking and possibly car payments depending on your lifestyle, local weather, etc. According to the League of American Bicyclists, households that use bicycles for transportation can save over $8,000 per year.
4. The Planet Will Thank You
Cycling produces no emissions and reduces traffic congestion, leading to cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for 7 million deaths worldwide each year. Choosing to commute by bike can help reduce air pollution and its harmful effects on public health.
5. Fun!
Whether you’re new to cycling or have enjoyed riding any type of bike, commuting by bike may be a sneaky way to turn the chore of commuting into a bit more joy to your day.
Ready to test it out? Here’s a couple resources to make the transition easier:
Bike Commuting Safety Considerations
While there are numerous benefits to commuting to work by bike, it is essential to prioritize safety. This includes wearing a helmet and other appropriate safety gear like bicycle lighting, following traffic laws, and maintaining your bike in good working order. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid accidents.
Bicycle Commuting Resources
If you're interested in learning more about bike commuting or getting started, there are many excellent resources available online. Some great places to start include:
League of American Bicyclists - The League of American Bicyclists is a non-profit organization that promotes bicycling for transportation and recreation. They offer resources for bike commuters, including tips for safe riding, bike commuting classes, and advocacy for bike-friendly infrastructure.
National Center for Transit Research - The National Center for Transit Research offers resources for bike commuters, including information on bike parking, bike sharing, and bike-friendly transit options. They also conduct research on bike commuting trends and best practices.
PeopleForBikes - PeopleForBikes is a non-profit organization that works to make biking better for everyone. They offer resources for bike commuters, including a bike commuting guide, bike-friendly business certification, and advocacy for bike-friendly policies.
Bike Commuters - Bike Commuters is a website and online community for bike commuters to share information and resources. They offer articles on bike commuting gear, tips for safe riding, and advocacy for bike-friendly infrastructure. https://www.bikecommuters.com/
Commute by Bike - Commute by Bike is a blog that offers resources for bike commuters, including product reviews, how-to guides, and tips for safe and efficient bike commuting.
Bicycle Benefits - Bicycle Benefits is a program that encourages bike commuting by offering discounts and incentives at participating businesses. They offer a membership card that can be used at businesses across the country.
Bike to Work Day - Bike to Work Day is an annual event that encourages people to try bike commuting. The event takes place on different dates in different cities, and often includes bike-friendly events and activities.
So why not give bike commuting a try? Whether you're looking to save money, improve your health, or simply enjoy a more enjoyable and fulfilling way to get to work, cycling is a fantastic choice. With the right gear, strategies, and mindset, you can transform your daily commute into a fun and empowering journey.
Redshift’s Picks for a Smooth Commute:
- Arclight City or Arclight PRO Flat Pedals will help you stay visible on the road
- ShockStop Suspension Seatpost smooths out the road and make the ride more comfortable