Bicycle Commuting

Bicycle commuting is widely regarded as a utilitarian activity and simply a means to get from origin (usually the home) to destination (the workplace) in the least possible time. The commute by bicycle can, however, also provide opportunities for recreation. For example, some cycle commuters may actively seek less direct and more scenic routes so that their journey provides opportunities for pleasure and fitness.

The choice of bicycle for commuting typically depends on distance, terrain, and personal taste. For shorter distances over flatter terrain, utility bicycles with a more upright riding position and which incorporate mudguards, chain-guard, carrier racks, and integrated locks and lights are favored as they allow riders to commute in relative comfort in regular work clothes because of their functionality and more relaxed riding style. These types of bicycles are more common in flatter areas and in countries where functional cycling is more established, such as the Netherlands and Denmark.

For bicycle commutes over longer distances or more varied terrain, hybrid bicycles and mountain bikes with less upright riding positions, a wider range of gearing, and mix of extra components and accessories are commonly used. These types of bicycles are more common in highly motorized economies where commuters typically have to mix and move with the flow of motor traffic.

The bicycle commute can also be integrated with public transport over longer distances. Folding bicycles are gaining popularity because of their portability and because rigid bicycles are typically not permitted aboard public transport vehicles during peak periods. Public bike hire schemes also provide the opportunity for public transport users to use cycling as an access mode to, or egress mode from, public transport hubs. Fixed-geared and/or single-speed road bikes and other variants have undergone a renaissance in recent years and are used for commuting, particularly among younger riders in some flatter European and North American cities, because of their simplicity and their fashion status.

Personal benefits of bicycle commuting include saving money that would otherwise be spent on fuel or public transport and the opportunity to maintain a healthy lifestyle by incorporating regular exercise into daily travel routines. For companies, it can result in a healthier workforce and less demand for space for car parking. Wider societal and environmental benefits include reduced demands on resources required to operate and maintain a motorized transport system, reduced traffic congestion and associated air pollution, reduced demand for limited space on public transport, improved public health, and improved quality of life and social inclusion in urban areas.

There has been a general decline in the rate of bicycle commuting among countries in western Europe and North America since the advent of mass motorization in the 1950s and 1960s. However, some countries have been successful in reversing this decline and maintaining reasonable levels of cycling within the transport mix. This has been achieved through sustained policy supporting cycling, including containment of urban development to reduce distances between homes and activities (including workplaces), investment in purpose-built cycling infrastructure, restrictions on car use in urban areas, and promotional activities to generate a positive culture toward cycling.

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