Study Shows Bike Commuting Is Still the Smartest and Healthiest Way to Get to Work

For urban cyclists navigating city streets every day, the benefits of bike commuting often speak for themselves: no traffic jams, a daily dose of fresh air, and a solid cardio boost before your first coffee. Now, a new study from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health confirms what many riders already know—cycling to work makes you healthier, more productive, and even reduces sick days.

Researchers Jenni Ervasti and Essi Kalliolahti followed municipal employees to see how their commuting habits impacted their health and job performance. The results were clear: those who regularly cycled to work had fewer sickness absences and reported feeling healthier and more capable on the job.

In fact, the most active cyclists chalked up 531 fewer sick days per 100 person-years compared to non-cyclists. That’s a serious argument for swapping your car keys for a bike lock.

But What About Bike Commuting Accidents?

Yes, the study did show that cyclists—especially those commuting year-round—face a higher risk of commuting accidents compared to drivers. The longer the commute, the greater the risk, particularly in winter. But here’s the important part: the overall health benefits of cycling still outweigh the accident risk, especially when crashes typically result in short-term recovery time.

“Commuting by bike, especially regularly and over longer distances, significantly improves work ability and overall health,” says Kalliolahti. “Even when we factor in the increased accident risk, the advantages are clear.”

The Benefits of Bike Commuting

If you’re the type to dust off the bike only when the sun’s out, you might not see the same gains. The study found that occasional active commuting didn’t offer the same health perks as a consistent routine. The biggest improvements came from regular bike commuters who treat their ride as a daily ritual, rain or shine.

A typical Dutch bike commute (Photo by FietsBeraard)

How Cities and Employers Can Help

The research also makes a strong case for supporting active commuting in urban environments. More protected bike lanes, better infrastructure, and employer incentives can all make a big difference in encouraging city dwellers to ride to work. Perhaps it might be time to expand the idea of governments or even employers paying people to bike to work. The benefits are that great.

“Providing safe bike storage, change rooms, or even mileage incentives could go a long way,” says Kalliolahti. “But above all, we need to prioritize safety—bike helmets, proper lighting, and studded tires in winter can help reduce the risk of accidents.”

Bottom Line: The Bike Commute Is Worth It

Despite a slightly higher risk of minor accidents, the physical and mental health benefits of commuting by bike in the city far outweigh the drawbacks. And let’s not forget the environmental perks—more bikes on the road mean fewer emissions and cleaner air in our urban neighborhoods.

This new study follows a prior study covered by Momentum and published in BMJ Public Health, which found that regular cycle commuters had a 47 per cent lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who traveled by car or public transit.

So, whether you’re already riding year-round or just thinking about switching up your morning commute, now’s the time to invest in your health, your productivity, and your city. Gear up, stay visible, and keep those pedals turning.