The Rippling Effects of Bike-to-Work Subsidies

A European movement to incentivize people to commute by bicycle is changing travel patterns and making mobility more sustainable.

1 minute read

May 7, 2025, 11:21 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Bike Commute

Diego Cervo / Shutterstock

Incentivizing people to commute by bicycle could be the next step in the transition to a more sustainable transportation system, writes Ron Johnson in Momentum Magazine.

After expounding on the benefits of e-bikes, which have opened up cycling to new demographics, Johnson notes that many European countries are already offering bike-to-work incentives. “In 2022, nearly one in three employers (29%) in Belgium voluntarily provided their workers with a bicycle allowance.”

In North America, incentives for purchasing e-bikes are becoming more common, but most programs are woefully underfunded and vouchers are snapped up almost as soon as the application window opens. Expanding these programs and bike-to-work incentives would bring clear benefits to society as a whole, Johnson argues. “the good thing about bicycles is that there is an economic benefit, but also a slew of other benefits including cleaner air, and lower health care costs.”

Monday, May 5, 2025 in Momentum Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Regeneration of contaminated industrial land used for waste dumping, West Midlands, UK, 2006 .

EPA Awards $267 Million to Clean Up and Reuse Contaminated Sites

The EPA is investing the funds to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites nationwide, supporting economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental restoration.

May 18 - Environmental Protection

Archway made of bikes in Knoxville, Tennessee over Tennessee River.

Knoxville Dedicates $1M to New Greenway

The proposed greenway would run along North Broadway and connect to 125 miles of existing trails.

May 18 - WATE

25mph speed limit sign with digital "Your Speed" sign below it.

Philadelphia Launches ‘Speed Slots’ Traffic Calming Pilot

The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of Lincoln Drive where cars frequently drive above the posted speed limit.

May 18 - WHYY