There are many excuses: too cold, too wet, too dark, too far away, too inconvenient or too much to transport. But let's be honest - for commutes of less than 15 kilometres to work, there's hardly anything to be said against it. Bad weather? No problem, the right equipment helps. Darkness? Just use lights. Transport problems? Bags and rucksacks take care of that. If you don't have a shower at work, a cat wash with a flannel and soap will help.
Cycling to work is not a sacrifice, but a real benefit: more exercise, less stress, a more alert brain - and you're also doing something good for the environment. So: grab your bike, get on and get going. Your body, your head, your wallet - and the world will thank you.
6 reasons for commuting
1. your body will thank you for it
Cycling is a gentle full-body workout. If you regularly cycle to work, you strengthen your heart and circulation, train your legs, bum and core - and burn calories in the process. Just imagine: 30 minutes in the morning and evening and you get your daily fitness programme included. No gym membership necessary. Commuting by bike also strengthens your immune system and prevents sick days.
2. say goodbye to stress
Studies show: People who cycle to work often find it more relaxing than travelling by car or on a crowded train. The breeze, the steady pedalling - it's almost like a little meditation on wheels. And to be honest: traffic jams are less nerve-wracking when you're not stuck in them.
3. your brain becomes fitter
Cycling promotes blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain. Result: You start the working day more alert, more creative and more focussed. So if you still seem sleepy in the morning, a few kilometres on your bike can activate your grey cells straight away.
4. saving money made easy
Refuelling costs, parking fees, expensive monthly bus and train tickets - all this is eliminated when you switch to a bike. Even e-bikes pay for themselves in the long run, as the running costs are minimal. Who doesn't like saving money while staying healthy?
5. environmentally friendly travelling
Every kilometre you don't drive by car is good for the environment. Less CO₂, less noise, less exhaust fumes - you're not only doing something good for yourself, but also for everyone else. And if you're travelling by bike, you experience things differently: you see more, smell more, feel more at the heart of life.
6. flexibility without stress
Public transport has timetables and delays (!), cars have traffic jams. The bike? You are your own boss, set your own pace and route, and can even include little detours through parks or past your favourite bakery.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
