Every year, World Bicycle Day reminds us of the humble cycle's power: a clean, efficient, and healthy way to commute. Yet in India, cycling to work still raises eyebrows. From metro cities to satellite towns, the cyclist remains an outlier—sometimes admired, often misunderstood. Despite growing evidence that pedalling to work cuts sick days and improves overall wellbeing, Indian workplaces remain strangely resistant.

So, if cycling is a smart, science-backed lifestyle choice, why don’t more Indian companies support it?

Let’s start with what we know.

According to a March 2024 study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine and covered by Safety+Health Magazine, Finnish public sector employees who cycled to work at least 60 kilometres a week had a notably reduced risk of extended sickness absence. The study tracked 2,000 employees and found that cyclists took 18% fewer sick days compared to their non-cycling counterparts.

The health benefits of cycling aren’t new revelations. A 2017 study in the British Medical Journal, which analysed data from over 260,000 UK commuters, found that cycling to work was linked to a 41% lower risk of dying from any cause. It also slashed the risk of heart disease and cancer by nearly half.

So we have clear, compelling data: cycling is a low-cost, high-reward health intervention. Fewer sick days translate to improved productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and better morale.

Then what’s stopping India?

Despite this science, the sight of a professional pedalling into an Indian office remains rare. Why?

1. Cultural perceptions still lag behind

In India, a car isn’t just a mode of transport—it’s often a status symbol. Riding a cycle to work, especially in white-collar sectors, is frequently misunderstood. The stigma around can make it harder for employees to feel confident cycling to work, especially when few colleagues do the same.

2. Infrastructure is playing catch-up

A 2021 report by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) found that less than 4% of urban roads in India have cycling infrastructure. Where bike lanes do exist, they’re often fragmented, poorly maintained, or obstructed. There are bright spots. Bengaluru and Pune have initiated cycling corridors and public bike-sharing systems. But these remain pilot-scale and inconsistent.

3. Corporate wellness is still focused on the gym

While Indian companies often invest in gym memberships, wellness apps, and healthy cafeteria meals, cycling rarely features in corporate wellness policies. Some employers are beginning to respond. Infosys’ campuses are known for being cycle-friendly. SAP Labs in Bengaluru offers secure parking and shower facilities. But such examples are the exception, not the norm.

The economic impact of inaction

It’s not just about health; it’s also about the bottom line.

According to Deloitte India’s 2023 Workplace Productivity Report, workplace absenteeism linked to preventable health issues costs Indian businesses over ₹24,000 crore annually. The 2022 Assocham report estimates that Indian employees take 8–10 sick days a year, on average.

Given that cycling is known to enhance cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and build immunity, a shift towards active commuting could have measurable impacts on workplace productivity.

The 2020 GOQii India Fit Report showed that only 38% of working professionals met basic fitness benchmarks. The sedentary nature of most Indian jobs adds to chronic fatigue, back pain, and burnout—issues cycling can help address.

Globally, more companies are weaving cycling into their culture:

• Unilever Netherlands provides financial reimbursements for e-bike purchases.

• Google UK offers mileage-based incentives for those who bike to work.

• Paris now subsidises bicycles for municipal workers.

Even closer home, Bengaluru’s Ecoworld tech park provides free campus bikes, encouraging short-distance travel on two wheels and easing intra-campus congestion.

In the Netherlands, over 25% of all trips are made by bicycle, and employers have embraced this shift. Companies have discovered that cycling not only keeps workers healthier but also builds community.

For companies looking to champion both employee wellness and sustainability, supporting cycling doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Here are some tangible starting points:

1. Install well-lit, secure cycle parking in office premises.

2. Introduce changing rooms or shower facilities, even if basic.

3. Offer cycling incentives, such as mileage reimbursements or repair subsidies.

4. Celebrate cyclist employees, perhaps with a monthly spotlight or challenge.

5. Partner with local civic bodies to improve neighbourhood infrastructure.

None of this works without changing perceptions. And for that, leadership matters. When CXOs or senior managers cycle—even once a week—it sends a strong cultural signal. Normalising this behaviour through internal campaigns, employee stories, and support systems can shift a company’s outlook.

Moreover, cycling fits seamlessly into ESG and sustainability goals. A typical mid-sized company could save hundreds of kilos of CO₂ emissions annually if even 10% of employees switched to cycling once or twice a week.

As India urbanises, we face two parallel truths: health concerns are mounting, and traffic congestion is worsening. Supporting cycling solves for both.

The Central Government’s Smart Cities Mission has acknowledged the importance of non-motorised transport, but execution often falls short. The private sector can step in here, not just as beneficiaries, but as changemakers.

Corporate India has already led the way in many social shifts—parental leave, mental health awareness, DEI policies. Promoting cycling could be its next win.

On this World Bicycle Day, the ask isn’t for grand revolutions. It’s for a gear shift. A rethink. An open lane.

Because cycling to work shouldn't feel brave—it should feel normal.