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The Short Answer
Cycling to work offers benefits like improved health, cost savings, and environmental impact. Downsides include unpredictable weather and lack of infrastructure. With preparation and consideration, it can be a great idea for a rewarding and enjoyable commute.
Your alarm goes off, you get ready, and it’s time to travel to work. It’s part of your daily life, but how you get to work can make a big difference.
If you’re considering switching from bus, train, or car to a bicycle for your commute, read on as we explore whether cycling to work is a good idea.
1. What Are the Advantages of Cycling to Work?
From fitness to finances, starting and ending your working day with a bike ride can help you and your bank balance stay in good shape. It will also have a positive impact on our planet, which is more important than ever as we face the increasing effects of the climate crisis.
Although there are many untrue myths about cycling, we’ve come up with over 20 benefits of cycling to work. Many of these focus on the physical and mental health advantages, as it’s well documented that cycling is beneficial for your body, and also your mind.
In fact, we looked into the impressive boost your brain gets from cycling in this detailed overview, which means your working day will be full of solutions instead of problems. Plus, you’ll have more energy, and be more upbeat.
Another perk of cycling is fat loss which is particularly relevant given that our working lives have become increasingly sedentary, resulting in a higher likelihood of developing health conditions. Sandwiching your working day with bike rides means you won’t have to worry as much about your sandwich at lunchtime!
As well as being a calorie burning low-impact form of exercise, cycling to work won’t impact your finances as much as other forms of travel. Aside from the initial cost of buying a bike, and the ongoing (minimal) cost of regular maintenance, your commute will be absolutely free.
You’ll be saving money and time, as you’ll find that you don’t get stuck in the infamous rush hour traffic or waiting at the bus stop. You can find out exactly how much money and time you could save by using Halford’s handy ‘Cyculator’ tool.
2. What Are the Disadvantages of Cycling to Work?
Commuting by bike might not always go according to plan. Whether it is a sudden, unexpected downpour or a puncture that means you miss your 9 a.m. meeting, there are some downsides to cycling to work.
Come rain or shine, you’ve got to get to work. This means being prepared to maybe get sweaty, soggy, or both! Taking a change of clothes can be a way around this, but it also takes more time and relies on your workplace having suitable facilities for you to use.
Similarly, you’ll need somewhere secure and accessible to store your cycle during the day, which can be challenging.
However, the weather may not be your biggest challenge en route as safety is identified as one of the main barriers to cycling, especially for particular demographics such as women. Being aware and informed of the reality of the risks is important, so be sure to check out our comprehensive statistical analysis of whether cycling to work is safe.
Cycling to Work Pros + Cons
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
|---|---|
| Save time and money | Lack of accessible and safe infrastructure |
| Good for physical and mental health | Possibility of no facilities at workplace |
| Positive for the planet | Unpredictable weather |
3. Is Cycling to Work a Good Idea?
While you may get caught out by a shower or find your workplace doesn’t have one, there are quick and simple actions you can take to make your ride to work easy, relaxing, and enjoyable.
Our handy cycling to work tips for beginners will help you to feel prepared, as well as ready to make the most of saving time and money, and enjoy all the benefits to your body and mind.
If your workplace doesn’t have the facilities you need, try chatting with HR and asking if they can look into it. For example, schemes like Park That Bike can provide free cycle parking to workplaces to encourage and better accommodate those who commute by bike.
Give it a go; before you know it, your commute will be the best part of your day.
