"On Business Trip" – The Commuter Blog Series: Discover how your daily bike commute can turn into freedom, adventure, and an entirely new lifestyle.

Finally, It’s Vacation Time!

What better moment to launch a blog series on bike commuting? Summer usually means perfect weather, and while many people are away on holiday, roads and bike paths are pleasantly quiet. This makes starting your cycling-to-work journey much easier: ideal conditions to build your first routines before rush hour traffic returns in autumn.

If you haven’t yet caught the bike commuter bug, this series will inspire you to give it a try.

Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Start Bike Commuting

The summer months offer long, bright days and mostly dry weather – the perfect conditions to try cycling to work. With many people on vacation, the streets are emptier, giving you the chance to ease into your new routine without stress.

My Story: From Frustrated Commuter to Dedicated Cyclist

Hello! My name is Michael, I’m 54 years old, and I’ve been commuting by bike from Cologne to Bonn (and back) for 14 years. For eight of those years, I rode daily – until that other virus came along and changed a few things.

According to the German Federal Statistical Office, I’m among the mere 10% who regularly cycle to work. In this first post, I’ll share how it all began.

When I started my job at Deutsche Post in 2011, I never planned to ride the 36 km between downtown Cologne and the Post Tower by bike. But if you know the traffic situation in the Rhineland, you know how frustrating everyday travel on trains and highways can be: cancelled trains, overcrowded carriages, traffic jams, and the elbow-fighting mentality at Bonn Central Station after a long workday.

The car wasn’t a real alternative for me – inefficient, expensive, and environmentally unfriendly. So, I tried something new: commuting by bike.

Everyday Benefits of Cycling to Work

• Freedom: No dependence on timetables or traffic jams.

• Health: Fresh-air exercise boosts both body and mind.

• Cost savings: No fuel or ticket expenses.

• Sustainability: A climate-friendly way to travel.

For me, bike commuting is not only about more movement, but also about freedom, self-determination, and quality of life.

Tips for Beginners: How to Successfully Transition to Bike Commuting

🚲 Gear for Cycling to Work
A good bike, weatherproof clothing, and panniers can make the start much easier.

🗓 Organization and Planning for Commuters
Plan your route in advance and consider keeping spare clothes and toiletries at your workplace.

🔥 Motivation: How to Keep Going
Set small milestones and enjoy the positive effects that appear within just a short time.

Conclusion: Bike Commuting as a Lifestyle and Daily Escape

What started as two to three rides per week quickly became more: cycling to work is now much more than just a way to get from A to B. It’s a lifestyle, a form of self-empowerment, and a daily escape.

I’m looking forward to sharing more insights, tips, and motivation for aspiring bike commuters in the next posts.

🚴‍♂️ Until then: ride safe and enjoy the journey!