With the kids back in school and routines settling down, now is the perfect opportunity to rethink how you get to work. Cycling offers an excellent alternative if you’ve been considering a healthier, more eco-friendly way to commute. As this blog explores, cycling not only helps you stay active, it also reduces transport costs and your carbon footprint.
At Cadence Performance, we’ve created this guide to help you embrace active travel and make cycling to work a part of your daily routine.
Using an e-bike is not cheating!
If you’re hesitant about taking on cycling to work because of the physical effort, consider using an e-bike. Research has shown that electric bike users experience significant health benefits, including improved aerobic capacity and better blood sugar levels.
A Norwegian study demonstrated that people using pedal-assisted e-bikes still exert themselves 95% of the time, burning nearly as much energy as traditional cyclists. The difference in physical exertion was only around 12%, showing that e-bikes offer a viable, less strenuous option for cycling while still providing substantial health benefits.
Concerned about E-bike safety? Read our blog about Giant’s safety standards and the importance of choosing the correct charging kit here >
Get prepared—choose the right bike and gear
The first step in cycling to work is ensuring you have the right bike for the job. If you’re ready to swap the car or public transport for cycling, you’ll want a bike that suits your commute. Giant and Liv offer versatile options designed for both performance and comfort, whether you’re navigating city streets or longer suburban routes.
Read our blog on choosing the right bike for you >
Purchasing your bike from a store with a trusted workshop ensures you get more value for your money. Not only do these shops have specialist expertise, but their teams are also passionate about enhancing your cycling experience. They’ll steer you clear of unnecessary add-ons and guide you to a bike that will last for years to come.
Bike Fitting matters, here’s why
Additionally, top-notch bike shops provide excellent fitting services—it’s not just about frame size. You can get custom adjustments for your orthotics, saddle, and even cleats. Advanced bike fitters can assess your unique movement patterns and fine-tune your bike to maximise comfort and performance, while also minimising the risk of injury.
Before setting off, check your bike’s condition—tyres, brakes, and chain—so you can avoid any unwanted stops or repairs. A quick tune-up or regular servicing at Cadence Performance will keep your bike in top shape. Also, invest in essential cycling gear: a helmet, weather-resistant clothing, and a good lock. Giant and Liv offer excellent apparel and accessories, perfect for British weather.
Plan your route and hit the road
Now that your bike is ready, plan your route to work. With schools back in session, you may need to rethink your commute to avoid traffic hotspots. Choose quieter roads or dedicated cycle lanes when possible. Apps like Google Maps and Strava can help you navigate safer, less congested routes.
Cycling is a fantastic way to incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine. It offers many benefits beyond saving money on transport. You’ll improve your fitness, enjoy fresh air, and reduce stress, making your day at work more productive and enjoyable.
Cycling in traffic can initially feel intimidating, but your confidence will grow as you gain experience. Start with less busy routes and practice handling traffic situations safely. Stay visible, signal clearly, and always be aware of your surroundings.
Keeping cycling enjoyable is key to staying motivated, so why not invite a friend or colleague to join you and make your commute a social activity? Let them know it’s your first time and share any concerns you have so they can match your pace and assist with any challenging sections. Just make sure to agree on a meeting spot and time beforehand!
If you don’t have a cycling buddy, consider letting a family member know your plans and checking in with them when you arrive at work. Knowing that someone is keeping an eye on you can boost your confidence. You could even use phone-tracking to allow them to follow your journey!
You’ve arrived—what next?
Once you’ve cycled to work, you’ll need to store your bike, helmet, and kit somewhere safe for the day. Check with your building manager if there are secure bike racks and lockers at work, and make sure you bring the right locks for them. If there isn’t anywhere, plan ahead – make room in your own workspace to store things out of the way.
Then, give your bike a quick check to ensure it’s ready for the ride home. Don’t forget to bring along essentials like a change of clothes and personal care items to freshen up before starting your workday.
Whether it’s your first time or not, cycling to work is always worth a celebration! Grab a sweet treat, morning coffee or catch-up with your favourite colleague and enjoy that well-earned moment – on a grey morning, it may be that extra little boost you need to get on your bike. Don’t worry, in no time at all the cycle itself will be your reward!
Good for employers and employees alike
Employers benefit when their team members choose active travel, like cycling to work. Regular physical activity improves fitness, leading to better health and reduced absenteeism. In fact, research from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) shows that physical activity can reduce absenteeism by an average of 20%, primarily by helping staff meet recommended activity levels.
Cycling to work also enhances mental wellbeing, lowering stress, improving focus, and increasing productivity. Employees who cycle tend to arrive more alert and energised at work, reducing tardiness and workplace fatigue. For employers, this means lower absenteeism, cost savings, and a more engaged, productive workforce.
Still need convincing? Here are 10 health and wellbeing benefits of cycling to work
Building cycling into your daily routine is more than just a commute—it’s a sustainable, health-boosting habit. Cycling to work offers a myriad of health and wellbeing benefits. Beyond reducing your carbon footprint, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Cardiovascular health: Regular cycling improves your heart health, helping reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Weight management: Cycling is an effective way to burn calories and manage weight.
- Muscle strength: Cycling builds and tones muscle groups, particularly in the legs, glutes, and core.
- Joint health: It’s a low-impact exercise that’s gentler on your joints than activities like running.
- Mental health: Cycling can reduce stress and anxiety, boost your mood, and improve overall mental wellbeing.
- Improved lung function: It enhances lung capacity and respiratory efficiency.
- Increased endurance: Regular cycling can improve your overall stamina, benefiting your daily life.
- Better sleep: Physical activity, like cycling, improves sleep quality, helping you feel more rested and alert.
- Balance and coordination: Cycling improves balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injury as you age.
- Environmental benefits: Cycling helps reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
At Cadence Performance, we’re here to support your active travel journey. Whether you’re looking for a new bike, need expert advice on gear, or want to schedule a service, we’ve got everything you need to succeed. Visit us in-store or online to explore our range of Giant and Liv bikes and accessories, and start your healthier, more sustainable commute today.
About Cadence Performance
At Cadence Performance, our highly trained teams can offer you support in lots of ways. You can contact us in-store at the addresses below, or check out our website to find out more about our services.
Cadence Performance is on your local high street
- Cadence|Giant Crystal Palace, 2a Anerley Hill, London SE19 2AA
- Cadence|Giant Paddock Wood, 62-62a Maidstone Rd, Paddock Wood, TN12 6AF
- Cadence|Giant Shoreham, Little High St, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5JF
- Cadence|Giant St Paul’s, 200 Aldersgate St, London EC1A 4HD
- Cadence|Giant St Albans, N Orbital Rd, St Albans AL2 1DL
- Cadence|Giant Twickenham, 111 Heath Rd, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham TW1 4AF
