Leave the bike behind just because the weather gets uncomfortable? For year-round cyclists, that's not an option. More and more people are cycling all year round. Especially commuters: Many enjoy getting exercise in the fresh air, thereby clearing their minds and reducing stress. According to the Sinus Institute, cycling is becoming more popular year after year. Bosch eBike Systems gives good reasons for year-round cycling - and provides tips for getting through the cold months fit and unharmed.
1. Healthy and lively
Exercise even in cold air keeps you fit, strengthens the immune system - and protects against depressive winter moods. According to a study, personal well-being is significantly higher among year-round cyclists. Being regularly on two wheels at any time of year not only puts you in a good mood, but also means two fewer sick days per year. Even short journeys are enough to protect the organism from pathogens. So instead of being exposed to viruses and bacteria in a crowded train - simply cycle away from the common cold.
2. Fast and sustainable
During the cold season, many cyclists leave their bikes behind out of convenience. They shouldn't have to. Even in icy headwinds, the eBike is a sustainable alternative to the car or public transport. Especially for commuters: In Germany, around 75 percent have a commute of less than 25 kilometers, and around half of all commutes are shorter than ten kilometers. Anyone who commutes 10 kilometers to work every day by bike instead of taking the car can save up to 350 kilograms of CO2 emissions per year. So especially for shorter distances, it's not only a fast means of transportation, but also an environmentally friendly one.
3. Protected and visible
With the right clothing, riding an eBike is also really fun between late summer and spring. Instead of a single thick jacket, the "onion principle" is recommended, i.e. several layers on top of each other. In doing so, you should pay particular attention to breathable and waterproof clothing that protects against wind and rain. Especially in the dark season, bright colors and reflectors are important to be seen by other road users. When you get home, get out of your wet clothes quickly.
4. Anticipatory and safe
It is not only in winter that it is essential to drive with foresight and at an appropriate speed. In adverse weather conditions, eBikers are well advised to set off a little earlier and plan more riding time than usual. Difficult conditions such as wet leaves, slush or rolling gravel also impair braking maneuvers. Dangerous situations caused by incorrect braking behavior can be defused by the Bosch eBike ABS, for example. It increases safety for the eBiker and other road users and creates more control during braking. In this way, the riding situation can be stabilized even in wintry inner cities.
5. Charged and maintained
In frosty outdoor temperatures, the eBike battery can lose capacity. It is therefore recommended to remove the battery pack after riding, store it at room temperature and only reinsert it in the eBike shortly before the next ride. Thermal sleeves also protect the battery during longer rides. Batteries with lithium-ion cells should always be charged at room temperature. To maintain functionality and riding enjoyment, the eBike should be properly cared for. If the bike is heavily soiled by precipitation or snowfall, be sure to wash off mud and salt residues with water and washing-up liquid. Then a squirt of oil on the bicycle chain - and the eBike runs like clockwork.
6. Linked and refreshed
Cold, dark and the route is long? No reason to give up your eBike. Anyone who has more than 25 kilometers to cover can link the bike with other means of transport. For example, pedelecs with motor assistance up to 25 km/h can be taken on trains and public transport. However, individual regulations apply there. Another option would be to connect the eBike at the train station or stop to continue the commute by train or public transport. Provided there is a secure and, if possible, covered parking facility there. Exercising in the fresh air in the morning and in the evening while saving time can thus be ideally combined.
Sources:
Bicycle increasingly popular: Sinus Institute (https://bit.ly/2O8bDp5)
Well-being Year-round cyclists: Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club e.V. (https://bit.ly/2s0bvPz)
Commuter statistics: BMVI (https://bit.ly/2OvvgpY) and Federal Environment Agency (https://bit.ly/2QDmBEx)
Bicycle transport: Deutsche Bahn conditions of carriage (https://bit.ly/2D5t6rS)