Bike to Work to Get a Raise

Friday, May 20 is National Bike to Work Day. If you’re looking for a reason to ride, consider this: biking to work could up your pay grade, lift your mood, and land you a promotion.

Make More Money
Biking instead of driving a car saves approximately $0.48 per mile according to data from AAA and the Victoria Transport Policy Institute. The US Department of Transportation reports that more than 50% of trips to work are 10 miles or less. Swapping the car for a bike just one day per week can put an additional $250 in your pocket every year.

Lift Your Mood
Researchers at Clemson University did a study to find out which commuters were happiest. The winner? Cyclists. Using data from the American Time Use Survey collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the study looked at people who commuted by driving alone or with passengers, biking, walking and using public transportation. “What we found is that bicycling is the happiest mode. People are in the best mood while they’re bicycling compared to any other way of getting around,” said Dr. Eric Morris of Clemson University. Cure your “case of the Mondays” with a bike ride to work.

Land a Promotion
Studies show that exercising before work – like biking to work – can boost your productivity by an average of 15%. Bike commuters also take an average of 2 fewer sick days per year compared to employees who don’t bike, according to data from Sustrans. Biking to work may give you the extra oomph you need to excel in the workplace and earn that promotion you’ve had your eye on.

Bike to Work Day is a great time to try bike commuting and start your own personal biking routine. Visit mycitybikes.org to download the free local My City Bikes app for beginner cyclists in Modesto, CA – created in partnership with Oakdale BIcycle Shop – for information about how to start bike commuting, and local beginner-friendly routes. You can also contact certified beginner-friendly bike retailers through the app to connect with local experts who can tune up that old bike in the garage, or help you find a commuter bike that works for you. Technology like electric assist bikes, and design developments like cargo bikes have made it easier than ever to get where you need to go on 2 wheels. Get started today!

My City Bikes powered by Interbike is the global public health alliance for beginner cyclists. The mission of My City Bikes is to help people discover better health and quality of life through biking. The web­ and mobile­ campaign benefits communities by providing simple, localized mobile resources and media advocacy to facilitate cycling along with an alliance of local businesses, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and organizations. My City Bikes is connecting communities with their basic but essential beginner biking resources to empower individuals to improve their health by simply pedaling a bike. Join the biggest bike team in the world! Download your free local My City Bikes app at mycitybikes.org to find local entry-­level rides, need-­to-­know DIY bike maintenance, and beginner­ friendly bike shop experts in your neighborhood.

SOURCES
AAA and Victoria Transport Policy Institute via Sierra Club: vault.sierraclub.org/pressroom/downloads/BikeMonth_Factsheet_0512.pdf

National Household Travel Survey, US Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation: www.statisticbrain.com/commute-statistics/

Clemson University Study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPLRZ7d2mxA
bikesiliconvalley.org/bike-to-work-day2014/employers/