All over Ireland, the daily commute is changing as many people exchange their car for a bike. This is a great move for the planet, but it is also a fantastic idea to save money and time and improve health.
As cycling to work becomes more popular, we’ll take a look at all the reasons why it could make sense for you to join the urban cycling movement. If you want to feel the benefits in your body, your health and your local environment, commuting to work by bike could be the perfect solution for you.
Why commute to work?
Commuting to work may have meant sitting in traffic or queueing for buses in the past, but today there is a better and healthier option. Commuting to work by bike has become accessible to more people in recent years, and this is having profound effects in Irish cities. You may also want to consider investing in an electric bike, which can take the strain when you are handling hills or cycling longer distances.
There are several great reasons to get pedalling, including:
- Saving time on your commute. The volume of traffic on our roads is at an all-time high, and this means that city driving often involves traffic jams and rush hour holdups. The situation may be slightly better on public transport, due to designated bus lanes or efficient train services, but these are also under pressure and cannot usually provide a stress-free commute. Bikes are a great solution, enabling commuters to bypass the traffic jams and access shortcuts via cycle paths, and you may even find that your commute is shorter when you cycle.
- Improving your health. It can be tricky to fit a decent workout routine into your working week, and this can have an impact on your health in the long term. Building your exercise regime into your regular activities, by cycling to work, can kill two birds with one stone, and you will begin to feel the benefits straight away. If you have not cycled for a long time, you may need to build up gradually to be able to handle the distance, but you will soon notice that your stamina is increasing. Cycling is one of the best forms of exercise for the entire body, so this is a great way to keep fit without eating into your relaxation and social time.
- Saving money. Living costs are higher than ever, and running a car has a huge impact on your budget, especially when you consider insurance, tax, fuel, tolls and parking costs. You will find that after you have invested in your bike, the maintenance and repair costs are low, and there are no outlays for fuel or insurance to consider. Even if you are commuting to work for part of the week, you will notice the difference in your monthly outgoings immediately. In Ireland, we are fortunate to have schemes such as the Cycle to Work scheme, which is a government initiative enabling more people to cycle to work affordably. This scheme can fund the initial cost of a new bike through your employer, enabling you to pay this back, tax-free, over a period of time.
- Doing your bit for the environment. We are all aware that cars contribute a great deal to the climate crisis, with most still relying on fossil fuels and filling our cities with pollution. Cycling to work can help you to do your bit for the planet, reducing emissions and contributing to cleaner air in urban areas. The Irish government has focused more on climate targets in recent years, and investments in cycling infrastructure and bike purchasing schemes have made commuting to work by bike much more accessible.
- Reducing your stress levels. We’ve all experienced the feeling of rising stress levels while sitting in a traffic jam or trying to find a parking space, and commuting to work can eliminate all of these issues. Your workplace probably already has options such as secure bike parking and storage, but if not, there are government schemes available to help install these. You will even find that riding your bike gives you a great boost of endorphins, so you’ll start your working day feeling bright and positive instead of frustrated.
- Enjoying a lifestyle shift. The Irish government has made huge investments in cycling so that more people can join the green revolution, and this means that cycling infrastructure is better than ever. Cyclists in our major cities enjoy dedicated cycling lanes and bike sharing schemes that make cycling to work a realistic option for many more people than ever before. Cycling is a more sustainable method of transport for the future and can become a core part of a healthier lifestyle, and this is why so many people are embracing the change today.
Cycling is a healthier and greener option for your daily commute, and it is also more affordable and less stressful than ever before. We can help you find the perfect bike for cycling to work, so that you can feel all the benefits for yourself.
Find a City Bikes to suit you
A city bike is the perfect choice for commuting to work daily, and is designed for short trips around the town or city. Comfort and convenience are the priorities, and you should look out for the following when you are investing in a city bike:
- A strong frame. You will need a strong, reliable frame that can handle city roads, which may not always be in great condition!
- An upright riding position. An upright seating position will give you good visibility and help you avoid putting strain on your back.
- A step-through frame. A step-through or low-top frame will make it easier for you to get on and off your bike, which is especially helpful if you are carrying equipment or bags with you.
- Useful accessories. City bikes often include features such as mudguards and chain guards to protect your work clothes, and lights for visibility when you are riding in traffic or in low-light conditions. You may also want to consider rear racks or baskets that can contain your lunch, your work clothes and any equipment you may need during your working day.
A city bike is not designed for speed; it is intended to provide a comfortable, reliable way to cycle safely in urban areas. However, you will notice that many of our designs look fantastic, so they will be sure to turn heads as well as offer a smooth ride!
Find Your New Bike at The Edge, Ireland
At The Edge, we can help you to find everything you need to make cycling to work a success. You’ll find a great range of city bikes with all the accessories to make your life easier, and we will be happy to share our expertise. We also have a good selection of mountain bikes, trail bikes and electric bikes, as well as cycling clothing and helmets.
Our team specialise in swimming, cycling and surfing, as well as running and triathlon, and you can find our catalogue on our website or visit us in store to see our full range.
