Traffic jams can be enough to ruin your mood first thing in the morning. The days are getting longer, the weather is nice – all good reasons to cycle to work. To give you as much practical information as possible about the pros and cons of this, I’ll share my personal experience, both on a road bike and a gravel bike, in this case on partly unpaved paths. But first, let’s look at the general reasons why cycling could be a good way to get to work:
It’s very enjoyable
My personal motivation for occasionally cycling to work is above all the pleasure and well-being it gives me. The fresh morning air, an idyllic cycle path through fragrant fields or a gravel path through the forest are often sources of happiness! A certain feeling of freedom and the sense of having already achieved something physically early in the morning are two sources of happiness.
Fitness and health
For those who work in an office, as I do, physical activity is often neglected. Cycling remedies this, burns excess calories and strengthens the immune system, the respiratory tract, muscles and the cardiovascular system. The positive influence on mental fitness, coordination and sense of balance should not be underestimated. According to several studies conducted in recent years, regular cycling reduces the risk of illness by more than 40%. What’s more, it’s a great way to relieve stress: after a day at the office, you can relax more quickly by cycling home.
Sustainability
Cycling is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport. It reduces fuel imports, emits very little CO₂ and effectively reduces exhaust gases that are harmful to health and the formation of fine particles. Compared to other modes of transport, bicycles take up little space, similar to motorcycles, with approximately 1.5 to 2 square metres. Bicycles also do not damage roads.
Cost factor
Bicycles are available in all price ranges and can be used for several years if maintained regularly. Maintenance costs are very low and, on the days you cycle to work, your car does not consume any fuel. Depending on the length and difficulty of the journey, you do not necessarily need special clothing, except for a helmet and a reflective vest. In towns and cities, cyclists often ride in suits.
A bike suited to the route
However, there are also some negative aspects to consider. In our region, the first thing that comes to mind is the weather: long winters, rain and wind do not necessarily make you want to cycle. If you still need to travel in these conditions, it is important to wear suitable clothing. Depending on the weather and the distance travelled, you may arrive at work sweaty. As bikes are easy to steal, you should invest in a good lock or be able to park your bike safely. How far is your home from your place of work? In some cases, the time it takes to get to work by bike can be longer than by car, for example if you factor in the time needed to shower or change. Another important question is whether the route is suitable for cycling. This is something to consider carefully, as it affects your safety.
In my personal experience, I sometimes use two different bikes to get to work. During the school holidays in spring and summer, there is significantly less traffic. A road bike and a direct route on public roads, combined with a section on cycle paths, is the fastest way to cover the 19.2 km between my home and my office. However, when traffic is heavy, this option is too dangerous for my liking, not to mention the high concentration of exhaust fumes on busy roads, which is not very pleasant. The other option is a gravel bike, a type of bike that offers an excellent compromise between off-road and road riding. My route then takes me along country lanes, forest trails and selected cycle paths. This solution adds a few kilometres to the journey and increases the travel time. In my case, this adds about 15 minutes, which, with the return trip in the afternoon, represents a total time saving of half an hour compared to a road bike. It should be noted, however, that the guards fitted to the wheels of the gravel bike protect against water spray. They may not look very attractive, but they are very effective. This means that, unlike with a road bike, I can ride even in bad weather in my office clothes, preferably with a reflective vest. This may compensate for the extra time spent on the road. In my experience, the risk of punctures is slightly higher than by car or motorbike. I therefore recommend allowing a little extra time for important appointments.
Depending on the distance and accessibility, it may be a good idea to combine cycling with public transport. In Luxembourg, bikes can be transported free of charge on trains, buses and trams, subject to availability and provided they do not inconvenience other passengers. For longer journeys, possibly involving significant hills, an electric bike makes it easier to overcome these obstacles quickly and effortlessly.
You can see for yourself: there are countless ways to use bikes efficiently to get to work. With a little ingenuity, you can draw up a schedule to plan your individual route safely and comfortably. Fun and relaxation should not be neglected. One last tip: don’t overdo it at the beginning, explore several possible routes, for example during a weekend, without any pressure, and compare the kilometres travelled and the journey time. But your subjective impression in terms of safety, comfort and the suitability of the different routes for cycling is also very important.
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