Commuting at its best: 9 facts that speak in favor of cycling to work
Shorter distances, less traffic, strong role models: those who commute by bike in Germany often surprise not only those around them, but also their own calendars, budgets, and health. Nine pieces of evidence you probably hadn't considered.
1. Short-distance paradox: Germans often drive cars for distances of less than 5 kilometers.
For commutes of less than 5 kilometers, 27% of commuters use a car—even though this is precisely where the bike is the fastest option. In 2024, a total of 10% of employees cycled to work. For employers and employees, this means that there is enormous, immediately realizable potential for short distances – time savings, predictability, less stress. A company bike proposal plus secure parking spaces and showers quickly turns "could" into "will." (Source: Federal Statistical Office)
2. Münster: More bikes than people
Münster is considered Germany's cycling capital: 47% of all journeys here are made by bike. What's more, there are over 440,000 bikes for around 320,000 residents – meaning there are more bikes than people. The message for companies is clear: infrastructure (parking facilities, cycle lanes, fast cycle routes) works – and it contributes to employer attractiveness because employees arrive noticeably faster and more relaxed. (Source: City of Münster)
3. XXL bike parking is possible: Utrecht as a role model
Utrecht Centraal operates the world's largest bicycle parking facility with 12,500 spaces – the global benchmark for bike-to-train commuting (source: City of Utrecht). In Germany, the city of Münster is also setting standards in this area: The bike station at the main train station offers around 3,300 secure spaces; the digital bike station "Drahtesel" at Hansator controls around 1,800 spaces via app and QR access (source: City of Münster). The result: combined commuting (bike + train) becomes pleasant, fast, and safe – exactly what rush hour traffic needs.
4. CO₂ lever e-bike: Small bike with a big impact
Studies show that e-bikes are shifting travel from cars to bikes—with noticeable climate effects. A brief paper by ifeu estimates the reduction potential in Germany by 2030 at ~2.5–3.9 million tons of CO₂. The Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research also shows that with consistent cycling policies, the additional reduction potential (all bike paths up to 30 km) is up to 19 million tons of CO₂ – a strong signal to companies and municipalities to also strategically consider company bikes. (Source: Fraunhofer ISI)
5. XXL commuting stories from Germany
Do you know Karsten Kühn? Karsten Kühn commutes between Altenburg and Leipzig on weekdays – around 70 kilometers every day. He is an e-bike user, rides in almost all weather conditions, and knows his route like the back of his hand. He has been featured in the local media several times – not because of his athletic achievement, but because of the simple fact that it works. The range, the reliability, the routine – they disprove the preconception that cycling to work is only for short distances. Now you're probably thinking, "Surely that's just one isolated case!" Then we'd like to introduce you to Alexander Jakob and Holger Siebnich.
6. Traffic jams eat up your life – biking doesn't
In 2024, drivers in Germany spent 43 hours stuck in traffic jams – that's a full working week that cyclists don't lose. Large metropolitan areas are particularly affected. For companies, these delays add up to productivity losses; for employees, they add up to frustration. Companies that encourage parts of their workforce to cycle to work (or promote combined commuting) reduce both – measurably. (Source: INRIX)
7. Commuter allowance: Also applies to bikes – and will soon be even more worthwhile
The mileage allowance is independent of the means of transport (except for flights): currently €0.30/km for the first 20 km, €0.38/km from the 21st km onwards. From January 1, 2026, a uniform rate of €0.38/km from the first kilometer is even planned (government draft StÄndG 2025). For employees who use bikes to work, it is therefore also worth stating this in their income tax return – and employers can actively communicate this. (Source: Federal Ministry of Finance)
8. Cars are expensive: Bikes beat almost everything on short journeys
The cost per kilometer of a car varies greatly—depending on the model, from around $0.30 to well over $0.80/km. This is shown by the ADAC full cost calculations, including depreciation (source: ADAC). Those who have short commutes save real money by biking—every day. For companies, more people biking to work also reduces parking pressure and parking space costs.
9. Commuting = everyday fitness
Active commuting integrates exercise into an already busy day. Large cohort studies show that cycling to work significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and overall mortality (source: BMJ). Regular everyday journeys are enough to achieve this—they count toward the WHO recommendation of 150–300 minutes of moderate activity per week. One more reason to make your saddle your "fitness subscription" – and bring good vibes to the office.
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