Do you take the bus, train, or car to work every day? Are you tired of the hassles, stress, and discomfort of that commute? The bike is calling to you, with the option of commuting on two wheels offering a range of benefits over the alternatives.
If you're looking for an option that is better for your physical and mental health as well as the environment, then getting to work by bike can offer just that.
That aside, getting on the bike a couple of times a day is also a great way to connect with nature, get some exercise, and clear your mind – so killing two birds with one stone by making it part of your commute makes a ton of sense.
While commuting to work can leave you feeling refreshed and energised to start your day, it'll also bring cost savings over train season tickets and car maintenance, even more so with the Cycle to Work scheme, which can save you up to 42% on a new bike.
If you're looking for a bike to get started with, you can check out Tredz's range of road bikes and electric urban bikes here.
So without further ado, here are our top six reasons for you to get cycling to work.
Physical health benefits
It's no surprise that getting out and about on your bike is a great form of cardiovascular exercise that can improve your overall physical fitness.
It strengthens muscles, enhances joint flexibility, and contributes to weight management. Regular commuting by bike can lead to better cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
It'll bring mental health benefits, too
Physical activity through exercise releases endorphins in the brain, which are natural mood lifters. This means that cycling to work can positively impact your mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
In addition to that, the time spent outdoors and exposure to nature during a commute can contribute to a sense of well-being.
Saving money
It almost goes without saying that cycling can be a more cost-effective alternative to other commuting options. Of course, you can spend big on bikes, but even the cheapest set of two wheels can get you where you need to be, provided they're taken care of. Once you own a bike, the expenses – when compared to fuel, parking, car upkeep, public transport season tickets and so on – are minimal. Over time, these savings can add up significantly.
Better still, the government-backed Cycle to Work scheme can save you up to 42% off a new bike and kit as part of a salary sacrifice – you save money by paying less tax – meaning there's an even lower barrier to entry.
It's eco-friendly
While taking public transport is better for the environment than driving your car, cycling to work is better still. Commuting by bike will reduce your carbon footprint and is a far more environmentally friendly form of transport than fossil-fuel-consuming vehicles.
You can do your small part to decrease air pollution by getting on the bike instead of in the driver's seat.
Saving time
Depending on where you live, getting to and from work by bike may actually be quicker than other forms of transport. During peak traffic and commuting hours, you're more likely to end up stuck in queues of cars or waiting in line for trains or buses – both of which have to make stops, of course.
A more predictable commute means that cyclists often enjoy a quicker door-to-door commute compared to other modes of transport.
Community and fun
Getting on the bike can foster a sense of community and connection, both with the world and other people, as well as just having some fun a couple of times a day.
Regular commuting by bike means you'll be surrounded by like-minded people every day, rather than being stuck on the train avoiding eye contact or getting stressed out in traffic. If you're already a cyclist then it's an easy choice to turn to your passion to get to work.
Comfort
Cycling to work during the wet and cold mornings of winter might not sound the most comfortable option right now, but once the seasons change, commuting via bike can be more comfortable than other options, such as public transport.
Nobody enjoys being packed onto standing-room-only buses and trains, getting sweaty on the tube, or squeezing into seats. With a bike, all of that can be a thing of the past – there's just one seat and all the room in the world.
