This Friday, trade in four wheels for two - on your commute, that is. May 17th is National Bike to Work Day, a day that promotes the accessibility and benefits of changing up your transportation style. While not everyone lives within five miles of their workplace (seen as the ideal range for beginning bikers), there are many ways to celebrate this day, whether you can bike your commute or not.
On Bike to Work Day, there will be 115 “refresher” stations throughout the district, routes led by experienced bike commuters, giveaways and more. If a free t-shirt isn’t enough of an incentive, here are five reasons why you should partake in this holiday!
1. Biking is the healthiest option
Our bodies are not meant to sit starting the moment we leave our home in the morning. Biking improves cardio-vascular and aerobic fitness- both of which are essential to one’s health. Those who exercise on their morning commutes can expect to feel happier, have increased energy, and lower blood pressure.
2. The Flexibility of Bikeshares
Bikeshare services have transformed the way people move around the city. On-demand bikes are worry-free. Last minute plans are no problem when there are docking stations and dockless bikes all around you! Bike to work, walk to meet friends for drinks, then take a different bike home. Bikeshares allow for planning around what you want, not what you need to take home at the end of the day.
3. More Time in Your Day
Bikes are not faster than cars, so it takes more time out of your day to bike to work...right? Wrong! Biking can actually free up your schedule. First, you’ll likely zip past commuters in gridlock through the bike lane. Second, commuting = working out, so there is no need to hit the gym after 5. And the cherry on top? You’ll never have to circle a block or parking garage again looking for a spot!
4. Spend money on what you love
Biking is great for the environment, but it’s also great for your wallet. Without hitting the gas pump every week, you’ll have a padded budget to buy things that you really want.
5. Swap out one car ride a week
For those who live far from their office or face barriers like highways, biking to work just isn’t feasible. Instead, try swapping out one car ride a week for the bike. Bike to or from the metro station on your way to work, or wait for the weekend and bike to a park. Many towns have bike paths that can easily take you around, avoiding major roads. Look on your local town’s website for trail information.
Biking to work (or anywhere) is a small, easy change that can have a huge lifestyle impact. This Friday, dig out your helmet and give it a try. You may just find that the freedom and health benefits are hard to give up once you start!
With two locations in D.C., AdvantEdge Workspaces is an easy bike to work destination. For those in Northern Virginia or downtown D.C., the L Street location is perfect to bike to. If you like in Northwest D.C. or Montgomery County, then the Chevy Chase location is for you. No matter where you are, an AdvantEdge location is within pedaling distance! Head to your nearest bike share station, grab a ride, and come check out our offices today!
