Commute by bike and you’ll beat the traffic and get where you need to go on time – while creating some space for exercise and fun. What bike you choose, what you wear and what you carry with you is influenced by the distance and how efficiently you want to ride. We’ve picked out a few tips to make the best choices for your commute.
Why commute by bike?
Repeated studies suggest that cycling enhances physical health through cardiovascular exercise, obesity reduction, and improved muscle strength. For example, a study conducted by the University of Glasgow in 2017 found that bicycle commuting was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (41%), cancer (45%), and overall mortality (40%) in comparison to commuting by car or public transit.
A recent UN-Habitat report stated that bicycles represent the most efficient mode of transport in urban areas, taking up less road space than cars and being faster than walking or public transportation over short distances. Switching from a car to a bicycle saves 150g of CO2 per kilometer. Every 7 kilometers traveled by bicycle will save an emission of 1 kilogram of CO2 compared to when you cover the same distance by car.
Choosing to bike to work can significantly reduce traffic congestion. According to the European Court of Auditors, traffic congestion costs Europe about 1% of its GDP every year – and bicycling can play a big role in reducing that cost.
Better for you, the planet, for everyone
For distances of less than 10 km in a busy urban area, bikes and e-bikes can beat any other form of transport. For longer commutes, other advantages come into play. You can cycle door-to-door with none of the challenges of finding car parking or waiting for public transport. Journey times by bike are less affected by traffic jams or transport cancellations, so you can manage your time better. Longer rides offer you a huge fitness boost and can be a fun and enjoyable part of your day.
Must-haves on cycling every journey
- Bike lock or a secure storage place at work
- Puncture repair kit and basic tools
- Wet wipes for a quick cleanup of hands and face
- Weather-appropriate outer layer
- Front and rear lights for night and day visibility
Testing various commutes
We’ve tested different commutes to discover the per-distance differences in health benefits, required gear, bike and clothing, and the practical impact of adding such a commute to your everyday life.
20-Minute commutes
Terrain: Urban, a mixture of cycle paths and city streets
Difficulty: Mainly flat
Distance: Less than 10km
Any bike will make short work of a short-distance commute. A folding bike is ideal for mixing cycling with public transport or saving space at work or home. You can take it easy with a 20-minute ride and comfortably wear the same clothes you intend to spend the rest of your day in. Unless you’re faced with steep hills or are perpetually late for work and need the boost, an e-bike may not be essential and will only save you a few minutes on your journey.
Even just a 20-minute cycle ride per day can boost your physical fitness and mental health.
45-Minute commutes
Terrain: Suburban, mix of country roads, cycle paths and city streets
Difficulty: Some undulations, steady pace
Distance: Up to 20 kilometers
In many ways, this is the perfect commute distance. In a busy urban area, you can still beat cars over the same distance. It is enough cycling to benefit your physical wellbeing but short enough to do every day without getting exhausted.
With an e-bike, you could cruise this distance without working up a sweat, saving the need to wear a technical cycling kit or carry a change of clothes. A commuter or hybrid-style bike will provide the right combination of comfort, control and speed, allowing you to switch it up between roads and cycle paths to seek out the most enjoyable ride to the office.
For a 45-minute commute, you could use casual-styled cycle shoes, such as our EX300 and EX300W, which will improve your pedaling efficiency and look good off the bike.
1-Hour commutes – and beyond
Terrain: Rural and urban roads, cycle paths
Difficulty: Mix of hills with flat and fast sections
Distance: 20 kilometers or more
If you regularly commute by bike for an hour or more a day, you will likely make serious fitness gains. The longer distance warrants choosing a bike that will make your journey fast and efficient. This doesn’t necessarily mean a drop handlebar road bike with skinny tires. There are plenty of active-style bikes to choose from, which are perfect for tackling more challenging terrain as well as zooming around town.
Regularly riding a longer-distance commute makes an e-bike an attractive option. It will ensure you reliably get to work on time, and you can take it easy or boost your fitness by putting in as little or as much effort as you want. Over this distance, you will likely find that wearing technical clothing increases your comfort and efficiency. A few well-considered purchases can easily upgrade your cycling experience.
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