Hand on heart, when was the last time you were on your bike? A while ago, because the weather in our latitudes is not particularly inviting at the moment? Then there’s a good reason tomorrow to make sure that cycling still works. Tomorrow is “Winter Bike to Work Day”. On this day, all kinds of organisations around the world that want to promote cycling are calling on people to get on their bikes. Why? To collectively draw attention to the fact that cyclists are on the road all year round and that discussions about cycling infrastructure or winter maintenance on bike lanes should not be allowed to hibernate.
Frost is part of the programme
Last year, we observed Sebastian “Alf” Albert on his blog “Ritzelzeit” in his self-attempt to do without his car for the entire month of January. This time we introduce you to cyclists who consider winter a challenge and cycle as often as possible to do their daily errands despite the weather. To be more precise, the “Frostpendeln” campaign deliberately focuses on people with pedelecs and speed pedelecs. Since 1st November 2021, they have been able to report the days they commute and the kilometres they ride. In this way, they want to emphasize the fact that even in snow, ice and cold, cycling can be the healthier and more sporty alternative to the car. At the same time, “Frostpendeln” is intended to demonstrate that pedelecs and speed pedelecs successfully defy even the most adverse external conditions and nowadays reliably fulfil their purpose.
Pictures posted on “Frostpendeln”
Once around the world. And one more time. And one more time.
The figures so far sound absolutely remarkable. As of today, 10 February 2022, 130 frost commuters are on board. Together they have already collected more than 141,000 frosty kilometres. Exactly who has done how much is listed in a table on the website. A quick estimate: the circumference of the Earth measures just over 40,000 kilometres. In any case, everyone can see from the table how he or she is doing in comparison and perhaps even draw new motivation from it. Goetz-i is currently in first place with almost 5,000 kilometres. That’s about 800 kilometres ahead of the next place finisher. So, by the end of the campaign on 28 February 2022, the order could still change.
From the community for the community
The initiators of “Frostpendeln” are Alex, Thorsten and Tobi – all private individuals who commute with pedelecs and speed pedelecs. The three were able to get some very well-known sponsors on board for their idea. These include lighting specialists Busch&Müller and Supernova, outdoor outfitters Vaude and Ortlieb as well as component manufacturer by.schulz.
As part of the campaign, participants can also win something in raffles. The prizes are not only these stickers.
So, it’s not surprising when more than just values are compared at “Frostpendeln”. In addition, the initiators are running special theme weeks. These are about experiences around cycling in winter. All those interested can give each other tips on what equipment they use, how to cope on slippery tracks or how to gradually bring their fingers back to life after cycling 40 kilometres at minus ten degrees Celsius.
Saddle up the bikes!
If you suddenly feel like joining “Frostpendeln”, virtually on the home straight, you can do so. Simply visit the campaign website at pedelecmonitor.com and click on the link at the top of the menu bar. There is even a way to record the kilometres and days you have already cycled.
Of course, you can also show your colours, or rather your bike, tomorrow on “Winter Bike to Work Day”. Under the hashtag #WinterBikeToWorkDay, you’re sure to come across lots of appropriate posts on various social media channels. And for next year, you can already make a note of the second Friday in February. That’s when the “Winter Bike to Work Day” usually takes place. There has also been an official website for a long time. There you can find out in which cities around the world people are taking part. Usually, the action is most widespread in traditional winter cycling nations like Canada, Finland or Sweden. But with Poland and Croatia, countries are also popping up that you might not think of at first. And thanks to you, Germany may climb a little higher in the rankings.
Hot drinks, discounts and tips
Tomorrow is quite popular in the USA, too. There, people and companies also show their sympathy for cycling without actively pedalling. They offer a free or massively discounted breakfast, are present with small stalls on the street and serve tea or coffee, or invite people to a small party. The latter will certainly not be the case everywhere this year in light of the corona pandemic.
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- One of the official motifs of the State of Colorado for “Winter Bike to Work Day” 2022
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- Map with overview of places to go during Winter Bike to Work Day 2022 in Boulder, Colorado
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- Further motif of the state of Colorado
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- Typical street stall during the Winter Bike to Work Day
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- The city of Durango in Colorado has designed its own kind of logo.
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- In the city of Madison in the state of Wisconsin, the city government cooperates with a local bicycle shop.
But even in this country, some people have come up with something. The German Bicycle Club (ADFC), for example, has reduced the price for the first year of membership from the regular 66 euros to 19 euros. If you want to take advantage of this offer, you should decide quickly. The promotion ends on 14 February 2022 at 11 am.
The bicycle manufacturer Diamant has dedicated a special page on its blog to the “Winter Bike to Work Day”. There you can find out how exactly the day came into being. In addition, Diamant has also put together a few basic tips for cycling in winter.
Pictures: Pedelecmonitor; State of Colorado; City of Durango; Back Porch Broadcasting Inc; Diamant Fahrradwerke GmbH.
