As the weather warms up and the days get longer, many of us are thinking about getting on our bikes for the daily commute. Not only does it give you some precious time in the great outdoors, but there are loads of benefits to the planet, your well-being, and your wallet.
Here at Halfords, we’ve got everything you need to get back in the saddle this spring. So, if you’re considering cycling to work, let us walk you through the benefits of commuting by bike, as well as all the ways that Halfords can get you prepared for the journey.
The benefits
Health and wellbeing
Cycling to work can be a great opportunity to look after yourself, both physically and mentally. The extra quiet time to yourself, away from the commotion of rush hour traffic jams and bustling public transport, can be a great way to destress and focus your mind. There are also, of course, the benefits to your physical health – if you’re struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, combining one with your commute could be the perfect solution!
If you’re worried about arriving at the office sweaty and tired but still fancy commuting on two wheels, an e-bike is a great option. With an added electric motor to assist your pedalling, an e-bike can take the strain out of cycling and ensure that you arrive at work fresh and ready for the day, without sacrificing that extra time outdoors.
If you’re still not sold, why not book a free electric bike trial? This ultimate try before you buy means you can take a Halfords electric bike for a free trial run and experience all the benefits of riding an e-bike first-hand. Just choose your local store and desired bike, and collect it on the day.
Environmental benefits
We’re all keen to do our bit for the planet, and cycling to work is a great way to give the Earth a little bit of love.
By taking your bike instead of a car or public transport, you’re not releasing any emissions or contributing towards congested rush hour traffic, where idling engines can act as pollutants. A bike would also allow you to navigate the clean air zones found in major cities without having to pay tariffs, saving you some extra cash!
Cost saving
Commuting by bike is a great way to save a little extra money, even if you don’t already have a bike. Here at Halfords, we’ve got loads of ways to make cycling affordable. We have a great range of adult bikes for all terrains, and all budgets, so you can find the best fit for you. Even better, you can also pay later with Klarna, allowing you to spread the cost of your new bike and pay in instalments.
If you fancy some money off a new bike when you next upgrade, why not let us take the old one off your hands? With the Halfords Bike Xchange, you can trade in your old Halfords bike for up to £250 on a gift card, which you can spend online, in-store or in our garages, on whatever you fancy. So whether you’re putting it towards the cost of a fancy new bike, or maybe kitting yourself out with all the latest gear, you’ll know that you’ve done your bit to save some money, and reduce waste!
Another great way to save is with the Cycle2Work scheme. This government initiative runs through participating employers and offers a cost-effective way to kit yourself out with a bike and all the best accessories. The scheme means that you won’t have to pay tax or national insurance on your purchases, saving you up to 47%! This reduced cost is then simply deducted from your payslip over 12 or 18 months.
You can use the allowance on any bike accessories to level up your gear, as well as on any adult bike! From road bikes to mountain bikes, folding to hybrid, and even electric, getting your hands on an affordable bike couldn’t be easier.
Cycling accessories
If you’re making your way to the office on two wheels, you’ll be wanting all the best gear to get you there. Luckily, here at Halfords, we’ve got all the best cycling accessories to make sure your journey is as safe and comfortable as possible, without damaging your wallet.
Whether you’re after sunglasses, jerseys, or maybe a waterproof jacket, levelling up your saddle style is quick and easy.
With all these benefits to commuting by bike (and all the ways Halfords can help), there’s never been a better time to change up your journey to work.
For a full breakdown, be sure to check out our Cyculator, a handy savings calculator to help you figure out exactly what you could save by switching to a bike for your commute.
You want affordable cycling, you want Halfords.
