Cycling benefits for motorists

A new study is showing cycling to work is linked to fewer mental health problems. Another great confirmation of what we secretly all know, don’t we? Commuting by bike is beneficial for both physical and mental health. But then, why don't we do it??

153,000 km

This study was conducted among people living close to a cycling lane, as these people are more likely to take the bike, right? Let’s shift this to the Netherlands, bicycle capital of the world. With a Dutch cycling network of over 153,000 km, access to a cycle lane cannot be the problem. Figures show that of all the commuting trips in the Netherlands, 70% is covered by car (CBS, 2022). Due to the distance to be covered..., the lack of a good public transport connection…??

POV

Perhaps the variable 'distance to cycle path' is less relevant. Of course, in this study it helped to get people on the bike and establish the mental benefits. Enjoying these benefits should not depend on where you live. It should not suggest that commuting by bike becomes a real option only when you live near a bike lane. There’s a lot to change: not only internationally by building cycling lanes, but by changing the Point Of View on these trips.?

Old habit

Our vision? Enable multimodal travelling. Cycling to work should not be seen as a substitute for the car. Driving a car is a long-standing habit as well as getting from A to B using this single mode of transport. Due to many variables - from habit to distance - in this stage, it’s essential to include the car. Don’t blame the evil car and aim for replacing it. There is much to be gained by, first, not denying the car and, second, conveniently linking the motorist to a healthy bike ride. Think along, look at the bigger picture and bring smart solutions on the table to get that behavioural change moving.?

Employee benefits

Employers can play a big role in this as they are increasingly convinced of the cycling benefits for their employees and work together towards sustainable goals. As a great supporter of multimodal travel and developer of mobility hubs, MOBIAN is thrilled to receive daily requests for company park + bike subscriptions. This way the company accommodates its employees by offering them a fixed, but remote parking spot including a bicycle for the last mile.??

Commuting pressure

An even greater role for the various levels of government. Cities face major challenges due to limited space and polluting cars, but heavy commuting pressure. Banning the car is one way, but a solution for these cars cannot be out of the question. It is time to think multimodally, for hubs at strategically chosen locations, just outside commuting centres, within cycling distance of limited city space.?Emissions savings aside...

The cycling benefits are well known, but the car feels safe and reliable. The way to balance this is not to deny, but to complement each other. A little of both worlds, right?