The six biggest advantages of cycling to work

You've received a lease bicycle via your employer, so all you've got to do now is… cycle to work. Many people decide they are going to do that, but few of them actually do it. Nevertheless, cycling to work does come with a whole host of advantages, which may be enough to convince you to start commuting by bicycle. So just in case, we have summarised all six of them for you below (;. 

1. Bye-bye traffic queues

Getting the kids ready, loading the dishwasher, putting some food out for the cat and quickly gulping down a cup of coffee. Then, you get into your car... and before long, you're in a traffic queue. And once work is over, you set off home... only to end up in a traffic queue all over again! 

But not if you're cycling! Go to work on two wheels and you can completely empty your head, while filling your lungs with fresh morning air. And if you've got assisted pedalling, you won't even need to break sweat. And after a full day's work, you pedal your way back home on your steel steed and are fully relaxed once you get back. 

 2. Say hello to financial benefits

Increasing fuel costs, insurance, parking fees, maintenance, repayments... A car costs a whole lot of money. Do you receive a car from your employer? If so, you'll be paying a lot of tax on it. A bicycle, on the other hand, is cheaper than a car, especially if you lease your bicycle via your employer. Not only will you pay less tax on a lease bicycle than on a leased car, but you will also receive a tax-free bicycle allowance and will no longer have any problem parking problem. 

Did you know that leasing a bicycle is up to 40% cheaper than buying one yourself and that you can earn back your monthly lease price by means of your bicycle allowance? Be sure to check out the sample calculation below! 

Imagine: you lease a bicycle for €84 net per month. For a whole year, you cycle 20 kilometres a day from home to work. For those 20 kilometres, you will receive a maximum bicycle allowance of 35 cents per kilometre.

210 (days) x 20 (km per day) x 0.35 (cents) = €1,470 per year or €122.50 per month

3. Keep fit while sitting (on your bicycle)

Everyone knows that cycling is good for you! Whether you're cycling around at a relaxed pace on a handy cargo bike or zooming through the streets on an electric city bike or speed pedelec, it will help you stay fit. Yes, you've read this correctly: e-cycling is also beneficial to your health. It has even been proven scientifically. 

Anyone who cycles regularly will not only develop very strong leg muscles, but will also get a much better night's sleep. Cycling is an ideal form of exercise. It doesn't put any strain on your joints, it keeps your body supple and it improves your resistance. So jump on your bicycle and pedal yourself healthy!

4. Boost your mental well-being

Cycling brings you freedom – to discover new places, to choose what time you set off and how fast you want to travel. Traffic queues will be a thing of the past. You'll even be able to cycle past them with a smile on your face and the wind in your hair!

Did you know that cycling not only benefits your body, but also your brain? During your ride, your body will be producing endorphins and serotonin, which are natural anti-depressants with no side-effects. The Romans knew this long ago – a healthy body makes a healthy mind! But now, it has also been proven scientifically. 

Catching the cycling fever now that you've heard about all the advantages? 

That's fully understandable! Take a quick look at the bicycle types to discover which one will suit you best. You can find details of various bicycle types, along with a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each one and which brands distribute them. 

5. A steel steed is practical

Ever considered how easy and practical cycling actually is? When you're travelling on two wheels, you can always find somewhere to park. Driving round and round looking for a parking spot will now be a thing of the past. Simply park your bicycle, lock it up securely and you're done! Make sure not to forget where you left your lease bicycle, of course ;). 

If you travel by bicycle, you can go (almost) anywhere. Car-free zone? No problem! Joining the traffic on the busy city ring road? Not in your case! Travel by bicycle and you'll often get there more quickly than when by car. 

6. You'll massively reduce your CO₂ emissions

In many cases, cycling means less exhaust fumes, cleaner air and a more pleasant environment. What is more, a bicycle has much fewer components than a car, which means that fewer raw materials are needed to manufacture and maintain a bicycle, compared to a car.

And when it comes to bicycles, second-hand is also bang on trend! More and more great second-hand bicycles are coming available and bicycle parts are keenly recycled. After all, that's how you can extend the service life of a bicycle. Did you also know that at o2o Bicycle Leasing, we aim to ensure that your lease bicycles stay in service for longer? Find out more about our Circular Bike Project. 

And there's so much more!

Wouldn't you enjoy a cosy catch-up with colleagues by cycling together after work? Or listening to your favourite music or podcasts, while zooming along the streets? And what could be nicer than going out on a ride with your kids and enjoying all of the natural beauty that Belgium has to offer?