Help employees thrive

Research shows cycling to work is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support both mental and physical health [1]. More than just a commute, it’s a lifestyle shift that can lead to reduced stress, better mood, increased focus, and higher overall job satisfaction.

"Morning exercise has been shown to improve brain function, so employees arrive more productive and ready to work."

Promoting healthier habits like cycling helps build a positive workplace culture. Encouraging healthy behavior can also save money on healthcare costs [2]. Morning exercise has been shown to improve brain function, so employees arrive more productive and ready to work [3]. And, from an operating costs standpoint, when fewer employees drive, parking and traffic costs are reduced.

Boost your bottom line

By reducing sick days, lifting morale, and increasing energy levels, bike commuting supports a more vibrant, resilient workforce [4]. According to a study from the University of East Anglia, employees who bike or walk to work report feeling more able to concentrate and under less strain than those who drive [5].

Cycling has also been associated with:

• Reduced absenteeism
• Higher levels of creativity and problem-solving
• Stronger job satisfaction and morale [6].

Meanwhile, Gen Z and millennial employees consistently cite climate action and work-life balance as top priorities when evaluating employers [7].
That means initiatives like bike leasing are no longer just “nice-to-have”—they’re essential for attracting and retaining purpose-driven talent.

“Cycling helps reduce absenteeism and improve productivity.”

Get involved in May

Here are some ways to highlight Bike to Work and Mental Health Awareness Month. Keep in mind that for employees who don’t bike, an introduction to different bikes, commuter routes, and road safety rules may be a big help. Biking may feel too technical or like a hassle for some, but offering clear guidance on safe, easy commuting can help them feel more comfortable.

• Encourage team participation in local Bike to Work Day events
• Share resources and tips on cycling safety and gear
• Host a lunchtime seminar on the connection between exercise and mental health
• Offer bike-friendly perks like a commuter stipend or flexible hours. Amazon, for example, offers a subsidy of up to $400 per month to employees who bike to work and are not enrolled in the company’s parking program.

More Ideas for Bike to Work Month
[8]

“Lease a Bike gives employees access to their dream bike — and all the benefits that come with it.”

Celebrate May Bike Month with Lease a Bike and learn about our hassle-free employer program.

The mental health benefits of biking to work

More than "1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year", according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Cycling is a form of aerobic exercise that has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression [9]. The rhythmic motion of pedaling, combined with exposure to natural light and time outdoors, provides a mental reset before and after a workday.

A few of the mental health perks of commuting by bike include [10]:

• Stress reduction
  Regular physical activity lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

• Mood enhancement
  Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins and serotonin, often called the “feel-good” chemicals.

• Improved sleep
  Daily physical activity contributes to better sleep quality, which is critical for mental health.

• Mindfulness
  Cycling forces you to be present in the moment, which can calm racing thoughts and reduce anxiety.

Lease a Bike’s program can introduce all of these benefits to your workplace – and gives employees a chance to ride their dream bike. Leasing allows employees to take home their choice of road, mountain, or e-bike, or try all three!

A culture of wellness starts with support

Employers who encourage bike commuting—through infrastructure, incentives, or flexible schedules—send a clear message: your health and well-being matter. Whether it’s providing secure bike racks, access to showers, or participating in local Bike to Work Day events, small investments can lead to big returns.

Offering bike leasing as a perk also helps your company stand out in a competitive job market. Candidates, especially those with a passion for sustainability and wellness, will appreciate that the company strives to be conscientious about its global footprint.
When employees feel supported, the company benefits. Bike leasing helps build a positive company culture through a sense of community and shared values.

“Bike leasing is a cost-effective way to support employee health and attract talent.”

Invitation for companies

As more employers strive to meet the demands of a modern workforce, offering benefits like bike leasing is a cost-effective way to stay competitive and support employee well-being.
Forward-thinking employers in California and the U.S. are embracing bike leasing programs and bike-friendly commutes. Here’s how companies and cities are embracing bike programs:

• U.S. tech companies offer bike-to-lunch incentives and e-bike leases as part of climate pledges

• U.S. outdoor and recreation companies are offering cash rewards for every mile ridden or trips that employees take by bike

• Cities and municipalities in the U.S. continue to create bike-friendly infrastructure to alleviate traffic and reduce pollution

If you haven’t yet explored bike leasing as a benefit for your employees, now is the perfect time to start! Contact Lease a Bike to learn more about our program and our flexible leasing terms. There are no fees or volume commitments, and our easy platform makes it seamless to implement. Your employees will thank you.

Learn more about the difference that bike leasing can make within your organization and join the ride!

(1,3) The Mental Health Benefits of Biking to Work, Forbes
(2,5) Impact of the Cycle to Work Scheme, Institute for Employment Studies
(4) Workplace Wellness, Mental Health America
(6) Walking or Cycling to Work ‘Improves Well-Being’, BBC
(7) “Gen Z in the Workplace: How Should Companies Adapt?”, Johns Hopkins University
(8) Bike to Work Month Guide, League of American Bicyclists
(9,10) Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression, Harvard Health