With some good ideas, people are immediately fired up, but then fail to realise them due to a lack of motivation. For many people, cycling to work was certainly one of the good intentions for 2024, but after the holidays, the weather and light conditions were not very inviting for those willing to make the switch. That doesn't exactly make it any easier, and for most people, the good intentions may not have survived the unofficial "Quitters' Day" on 12 January, when most such change measures are statistically postponed until the following year. But maybe there is still something to be salvaged in terms of motivation, and if the weather can't do that, then maybe eleven really good arguments in favour of commuting by bike can.
You would probably have come up with some of them on your own, but the less obvious ones have real potential for persuasion. So here's an appeal to all those who are either still looking for good reasons to switch to a bike or who are looking for good reasons not to drop their good intentions: Don't let the weather, trouser clips or two drops of sweat stop you, they're all just externalities that can easily be undone with a bit of rigour against yourself and good equipment.
Pragmatically speaking, there are always twice as many reasons for travelling to work without a motor as there are against it. So clean the saddle, oil the chain and off to work!
1 - REACH YOUR DESTINATION FASTER
Especially in urban areas, cyclists often reach their destination faster than motorists. You don't even have to set new record times or perform daring manoeuvres, you just need to cycle at your own pace. Even busy cycle paths or short detours make it possible to quickly get past city centre traffic jams. There is also no need to search for a parking space. More and more employers are taking care to provide sufficient bicycle parking spaces.
2 - IMAGE WORK
Quite apart from the increased prestige with colleagues and superiors if you leave your car behind regularly and with discipline, travelling to work by bike is a statement in terms of forward thinking, responsibility, personal attitude and self-confidence. And small talk about the latest trends on the bike market or the smartest route is a better conversation starter than a smoke break. In Japan and parts of the USA, cycling together has long since replaced the golf club as the number one socialising tool.
3 - GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
Cycling for just half an hour a day helps to improve your health. Studies show that regular cycling minimises the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as diabetes and Parkinson's disease. At the same time, the joy of life increases, both the exercise itself and the satisfaction of persevering (even for just a few days at a time) act like an antidepressant.
4 - PROTECTS THE ENVIRONMENT
Leaving the car at home more often and taking the bike instead is good for the environment. And this not only affects fuel consumption, but also the fine dust from brakes, tyres and clutches, as well as noise levels, and in the long term you could even return asphalted areas to nature.
5 - SAVES MONEY
At the turn of the year, the CO2 price on fossil fuels was increased, which motorists can see through price increases at the petrol pump. The increase amounts to over four cents per litre. And rail travel is not becoming any more attractive in the ongoing fare dispute. On the other hand, those who regularly leave their car at home and cycle instead will hardly notice the price increase, as the prices of wearing parts are currently stable.
6 - BENEFIT FROM TAX ADVANTAGES
For the daily commute from home to work, 30 cents can be deducted as income-related expenses in the tax return for each kilometre travelled. Depending on the distance and days travelled, a substantial commuting allowance is possible. Users of leased bikes can also benefit from further tax advantages.
7 - SECURING BENEFITS FROM THE EMPLOYER
Company bike leasing via the employer is a benefit that millions of employees already enjoy. But there are also other ways in which employers can support employee cycling. Be it by offering a free bike service or the use of shower facilities during working hours - the range of options is increasing.
8 - MUNICIPALITIES BECOME MORE BICYCLE-FRIENDLY
The promotion of cycling has now become an issue in many local authorities. Concepts for continuous cycle networks are being launched in many places or have already been partially implemented. The acceptance of most car drivers also seems to be increasing, albeit only gradually. Why not give this breath of fresh air a try!
9 - FINDING NEW WAYS
Adding a trail on the way home?
Why not? If you want to combine commuting and training, you can spice up your journey to work with a few interesting off-road trails. This really saves time and "only" costs a little effort. Try this with a car ...
10 - MARKET FOR ACCESSORIES IS HUGE
Is it raining or snowing, or is the sun shining? No matter, the range of suitable bike accessories is huge; you can find the right equipment for any weather and light - from mudguards and waterproof bags to breathable winter jackets.
11 - GETTING TO KNOW NEW THINGS
When you talk to a stranger while driving, it's usually in a less pleasant context. It's completely different with cyclists: every traffic light or every metre shared can be the occasion for a short, longer or bonding chat. Cycling unites! And you not only get to know new people, but often also the streets in your neighbourhood, beautiful places or new leisure activities much better.
