Keeping yourself healthy is important, and commuting by bike provides the perfect opportunity to give your body and mind that extra boost.
Cycling to work not only improves your fitness, but also brings a whole host of other benefits. And even if you’re working from home, you can use the saved commuting hours to head out on two wheels.
Where possible, here’s why we think it’s a good idea to commute by bike.
Does cycling to work help you avoid traffic?
Yes. One of the biggest benefits of commuting by bike is avoiding traffic congestion and crowded public transport. Cycling gives you greater control over your journey and allows you to bypass queues, road delays, and timetable disruptions.
For many commuters, cycling offers a faster and more predictable commute time.
What is the best bike for commuting?
There is a commuter bike to suit almost every journey and lifestyle.
Electric bikes (E-bikes)
Electric bikes are a popular choice for commuting because they:
- Assist with pedalling using an onboard motor
- Reduce physical effort, especially on hills
- Help you arrive at work feeling fresh
- Provide motor assistance up to 15.5mph
- Make carrying panniers or bike bags easier
E-bikes are ideal for longer commutes, stop-start traffic, and riding in work clothes.
Folding bikes
Folding bikes are ideal if you:
- Combine cycling with trains or buses
- Have limited storage space at home or work
- Want to bring your bike indoors for security
There are also folding electric bikes available, combining portability with pedal assistance.
Is cycling good for your health?
Yes. Cycling is one of the most effective forms of low-impact cardiovascular exercise. It:
- Improves heart health
- Burns calories efficiently
- Strengthens muscles
- Reduces strain on weight-bearing joints
To keep track of all the benefits of your cycling, why not invest in some cycling tech? We’ve got a great range of fitness watches, heart rate monitors, helmet cameras, and more.
Is cycling a reliable way to commute?
Cycling is one of the most predictable modes of transport. Unlike cars or public transport, cycling is less affected by accidents, breakdowns, or timetable issues.
Many cyclists find they can leave work at the same time each day and arrive home consistently, making it easier to plan evenings and family time.
Is cycling to work cost-effective?
Cycling is a highly cost-effective commuting option. Compared to running a car or paying for monthly public transport, ongoing costs are minimal once you have a bike and basic safety equipment.
What is the Cycle2Work scheme?
Halford’s Cycle2Work scheme allows employers to ‘loan’ bikes and cycling safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. What this means in practice is that the employer buys a bike for you to ride to work and you ‘hire’ it by sacrificing a percentage of your salary each month (you don’t pay tax on the salary you sacrifice, which is where the saving comes in). Once you’ve paid off the cost of the bike, it’s yours to keep.
The scheme is open to employers of all sizes and we have a dedicated Cycle2Work platform to support all employers and employees that want to join the scheme.
You can also check out our Cyculator, which is a handy savings calculator to help you figure out exactly what you could save by switching to a bike for your commute.
Is cycling better for the environment?
Yes. Cycling produces zero emissions and helps reduce air pollution and carbon output. Increased cycling can support the UK’s environmental goals, including:
- Net-zero emissions by 2050
- A 78% reduction in emissions by 2035 (compared to 1990 levels)
Choosing a bike over a car for commuting is one of the simplest ways to reduce your environmental footprint.
Been bitten by the bike commuting bug? Well, you can find our full range of bikes online if you’re looking to buy something new. Or if you’ve got a faithful old bike that’s been living in storage, then take advantage of our free bike health check to ensure it’s in a roadworthy condition.
We’ve also got a range of essential commuting gear for you to get your hands on to make your journeys as safe and comfortable as possible.
