Bike To Work Month

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Activities Environment Lifestyle
Where:: New Zealand
Date change rule:: Every February
Holiday emoji:: 🚴

Bike To Work Month pedals into action every February, inspiring commuters to choose two wheels over four. Embrace this month-long initiative to boost your fitness, reduce your carbon footprint, and discover the joy of cycling. Join community challenges, explore new routes, and advocate for safer cycling infrastructure.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate
Related

Expected Bike To Work Month Deals

Throughout Bike To Work Month, expect cycling advocacy groups and local bike shops to promote various initiatives rather than direct sales. Organizations like the League of American Bicyclists often partner with employers to host ‘bike to work’ challenges and offer resources for safe commuting. Retailers such as REI and Performance Bicycle may offer discounts on essential gear like helmets, lights, and reflective clothing to encourage new riders. Look for local events organized by groups such as Bike New Zealand or city transportation departments, which might include free bike checks and guided group rides. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and events as February approaches.

Platform Guide for Bike To Work Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BikeToWorkMonth. Share photos of your daily commute, scenic routes, or essential gear. Encourage others to join the challenge!

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #BikeToWorkMonth. Tweet about your mileage, share tips for safe urban cycling, or advocate for better bike lanes in your city.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BikeToWorkMonth. Create local event pages for group rides or share articles on the health and environmental benefits of cycling.

Bike To Work Month Hero

Karl Drais

Karl Drais (1785–1851) was a German inventor, often credited with inventing the Laufmaschine ('running machine'), later dubbed the velocipede, in 1817. This two-wheeled, steerable, human-powered vehicle is widely considered the prototype of the modern bicycle. His invention revolutionized personal transportation and laid the groundwork for future advancements in cycling technology, making two-wheeled commutes possible.

History of Bike To Work Month

Bike To Work Month was founded in New Zealand with the simple goal of encouraging more people to ride their bikes to work. When the strategy was put into action, organizers realized that Bike To Work Month is also a great method to meet sustainability and public health goals while making cities more accessible places to live.

You may believe that the bicycle is a relatively recent creation, however, this is not the case. Gian Giacomo Caprotti, a pupil of Leonardo da Vinci, drew the first primitive bicycle in 1500 A.D. Some 300 years later, Frenchman Comte de Sivrac is believed to have developed a form of bicycle that he demonstrated in front of the French king in 1792 — the invention didn’t gather much attention and people continued traveling animal-driven carriages and horseback. However, in 1820, a wooden draisine was regarded as the first two-wheeler to have been invented. Since then the bicycle has undergone several modifications and with each addition, more and more people warmed up to the vehicle.

Cycling grew in popularity in Europe and Asia while declining in popularity in the United States. Because of the advent of affordable vehicles and the expansion of the American middle class, many Americans were able to buy cars and abandon their bicycles. Thankfully, cycles have evolved with the years, and today sports bikes, mountain bikes, cruiser cycles, and other models meet the needs of every cyclist.

Bike To Work Month timeline

1820s - 1850s

Three and Four Wheelers

It is the era of bicycles with an extra set of wheels.

1853

Bicycle with Pedals

Philipp Moritz Fischer adds pedals to bicycles.

1897

Electric Bicycles

Hosea W. Libbey invents electric cycles.

1981

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are mass-produced.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Bike To Work Month

Local businesses can champion Bike To Work Month by offering incentives and support to their cycling employees. Consider providing secure bike storage, shower facilities, or a small stipend for bike maintenance. Organize a friendly inter-departmental cycling challenge with prizes for the most miles logged or days commuted. Partner with a local bike shop to offer discounts on repairs or new gear, and use social media to highlight employees who cycle, encouraging a healthier and more sustainable commute.

Bike To Work Month FAQs

When is Bike To Work Month?

In 2027, Bike To Work Month will again be observed throughout February, inviting individuals to integrate cycling into their routines. It’s a fantastic opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy an active start to your day.

How many people cycle to work?

While specific 2027 data isn’t available, trends from recent years indicate a growing interest in bicycle commuting, especially in cities with improved infrastructure. Many cities aim to increase their cycling commute rates to over 1% through continued investment.

What are the benefits of cycling to work?

Beyond personal health, cycling to work can save money on fuel and parking, reduce traffic congestion, and foster a greater sense of community among riders. Many find it a more enjoyable and invigorating start to their workday.

Is Bike To Work Month observed globally?

Bike To Work Month’s focus on February in New Zealand is unique, but the broader movement for sustainable commuting is international. Cities worldwide are investing in cycling infrastructure and promoting bike-friendly policies to encourage more commuters to cycle.

How To Celebrate Bike To Work Month

Bike to work
Even if you don’t live in New Zealand, you can celebrate Bike To Work Month. All you have to do is ditch your regular mode of transport and bike to work instead.
Get others involved too
Encourage your coworkers and friends to join you in the adventure of biking to work. In fact, you may even request that your employer observe Bike to Work Month.
Teach a child to ride a bike
Learning how to bike is a landmark event of everyone’s childhood. If you can, teach a child how to ride a bike on Bike To Work Month.

5 Facts About Cycling That Will Blow Your Mind

Tandem cycling can get extreme
The longest tandem bicycle seated 35 people.
Bicycles are very compact
15 bicycles can fit in the same space as one car.
Biking is a hit in China
China has more than a half-billion bicycles.
They can save the world
Bicycles save over 238 million gallons of fuel every year.
Biking is also pocket-friendly
It is 20 times cheaper to maintain a bicycle than a car.

Why We Love Bike To Work Month

It’s fun
Biking is a fun activity and what can be more fun than riding a bike first thing in the day! Bike To Work Month is all about having fun while also getting your daily dose of physical movement.
A way to go green
If you, like the rest of us, are looking for ways to go green— then this is it! You can even choose to bike to work for the rest of the year and contribute to cutting down your carbon footprint.
It’s a way to win rewards
Many organizations reward their employees for biking to work. This is a good way to win accolades and cash prizes while having fun.