The Rippling Effects of Bike-to-Work Subsidies

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.”