National Bike to Work Day: Three Top Ways Biking To Work Saves!

Every day millions of people commute to work in their cars, or by using public transportation. On National Bike to Work Day, Friday May 21st we take a pause to consider the awesome benefits of changing your daily commute from four wheels to two. The Department of Health in Victoria Australia writes, “The rate of type 2 diabetes is increasing and is a serious public health concern. Lack of physical activity is thought to be a major reason why people develop this condition. Large-scale research in Finland found that people who cycled for more than 30 minutes per day had a 40 per cent lower risk of developing diabetes.” Cycling is healthy, it benefits the planet, and your wallet!

Health Saver

It is recommended for everyone - specifically if you have type 2, to get your 150 active minutes in a week. We know that a sedentary lifestyle is one of the greatest factors in developing type 2 diabetes and other negative health risks. “A recent study undertaken at Brunel University in London, England, found that English people who regularly commute by bike are four times more likely than other commuters to get the 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week recommended by the World Health Organization.”

There are errands that need to be run, and jobs that need to be attended. Put a basket on your bike, or grab your backpack and get moving! Making the choice to get to daily locations by biking gives you built in daily active time. Whether you ride your bike to and from work each day, or choose to take a 30 minute bike ride a few days a week to dinner or the grocery store- time riding your bike replaces sedentary time.  By getting your recommended 150 active minutes each week you can decrease blood pressure, improve sleep, lose weight, eliminate stress all while doing a low impact outdoor activity! 

Climate Saver

Biking connects you to your environment, and gives you more much needed time outside. Being outside reduces stress related hormones which is just what you need going to and from work or stressful appointments. While you are enjoying your beautiful neighborhood, you can also smile knowing you are being “eco-friendly”. 

Reducing your carbon footprint is one huge perk of cycling! Icebike reports that, “70% of all car journeys could be made on a bike in less than 20 minutes. In the USA, 30% of all greenhouse emissions are motor vehicle related.The environmental impact of motor vehicles is colossal when compared to the production of bikes. Then there’s all the carbon based pollutants cars throw into the air that affect the Earth’s climate. If you travel under your own power, you’ll be decreasing the overall reliance on harmful nonrenewable fuel sources.” You don’t have to break the bank buying a brand new electric car just yet, you just need to put some air in those bike tires! 

Money Saver

Finally, a huge bonus on top of the health and environmental benefits - biking saves you tons of money! We know that life with type 2 can get expensive. On average, people with diagnosed diabetes have medical expenditures approximately 2.3 times higher than what expenditures would be in the absence of diabetes. Riding a bike saves you money every time you go somewhere. 

“You have an average yearly cost of $9,000 USD just to own a standard sedan in America. Conversely, a brand new commuter bike retails at anywhere from $250-$1,500 USD depending on the brand, style, and components you’re after, with an average yearly maintenance cost of around $50 USD,” says Momentum Mag. 

We are always looking for new ways to be healthier and better versions of ourselves. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to join a fancy gym, or become an environmental rights activist. It’s the little consistent and conscious decisions we make every day that make the most impact on ourselves and our planet.