The Numbers…

In the USA, the number of commuters by bike has increased by 60% over the past decade (from 488,000 in 2000 up to 786,000 during the years 2008-12) and 40% from 2006 to 2013 (from 623,000 to 882,000). This is despite the fact the cycling commuters still account for just 0.6% of the total commuting population (a whopping 143 million workers).

Again in London, according to the most recent census data, the number of cycling commuters more than doubled in the past decade, from 77,000 in 2001 to 155,000 in 2011. In the UK as a whole in 2014 (the most recent year available), a record 183,423 employees participated in the Cycle to Work scheme.

This shows that cycling as a form of commuting is growing and growing quickly, so why is this? And what are the benefits of cycling to work? Carry on reading to finding out.

The Cost…

Using data from industry bodies, retailers and national transportation sites, BBC Capital compared the cost of cycling to the cost of public transport in 12 cities to find out where a two-wheeled commute could save you the most money.

They took the average cycling costs for a country – the cost of a bicycle, accessories and maintenance – and compared that to the cost of a monthly travel card on public transport. They found that although cycling has a high up-front cost, those costs are soon recouped in a city with expensive public transport. The lower the public transport cost, the longer it takes for cycling to become cheaper than transit.

If you live in an expensive city like New York or London, cycling is the most cost-effective option. It won’t take much time to pay off the initial investment of the bike, compared to the cost of monthly travel cards (assuming you just buy a brand-new REID for about £300 or $200, it takes 2.1 months in London and 1.7 months in New York to break even compared with a monthly transit card).

Cycling can be a great money saver, so why spend all your hard earned money at work, getting to and from work! Don’t. Buy a bike, it’s an investment that saves you money, meaning you can treat yourself to something special, instead of spending money to sit on a bus.

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. Even if there is traffic, you can often get through quicker by bike, overtaking all the slow-moving cars and smiling at them as you pass knowing you’ve made the right commuting decision!

And, it goes without saying, that you won’t have to stand around waiting for a delayed or cancelled train or bus, just for two of them to turn up at the same time!

This makes your day a lot easier, knowing exactly how long it will take door-to-door and being able to move around, without the strict schedule of public transportation times. Just remember you may need to set aside extra time, for getting your bike safely locked and having a quick shower and change before you start your day.

Getting to know your local area…

Know the local underground network, or your bus route off by heart, but no idea when it comes to the rest of your town? 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, taking new paths and discovering new places to visit is part and parcel with cycling in the city. You may discover a new café that you didn’t know existed, a trendy bar and some other local hotspots right around the corner from where you live.

A bike really gives you the freedom to do this without the hassle. No need to search ages for a parking space, follow the crazy one way system and be funnelled into a certain area. Hop on your bike, go with a friend and take turns choosing which direction to take, you’ll know every nook and cranny of your area in no time.

Get Fitter, Duh…

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. Not only this but recent studies have shown that the solitary car commute can actually be a key factor in your health, with this time being better utilised by doing something active, like cycling…

Life Satisfaction…

A recent study by Louis et al 2014, analysed the life Satisfaction by mode of transport for commuting. Cycling came out on top of driving, metro and bus, citing that longer and lonely commutes negatively impact on sleep, relationships and your health. So next time your sitting in your car, stuck in traffic, screaming internally and wishing the world would end, think how much better life would be, if you could just cycle past it all, keeping fit and taking in your city,  as you journey in for another day of work.

URBAN RANGE

Take a look at our dedicated commuting range, the Urban Series. Built to tackle any ubran obstacle and take you to work safely in style.