It is no secret that cars are bad for the environment, and for some people driving is essential, but it is important to consider ways to not only help the environment by reducing car use, but also to save money and be as healthy as possible.

To encourage people to reduce their use of cars and public transportation and choose bicycling as their mode of transportation, Canyon has set up a 30-day cycling challenge. Starting today, cyclists will compete to see how many trips they can make by bicycle instead of car or public transportation over a 30-day period.

The benefits of cycling to work, even over short distances, can have a significant impact; taking a 5-mile journey as an example, Canyon estimates that it can save £500 in fuel costs and reduce CO2 emissions by 6.6 tons per year. The savings are even greater when using public transportation, with a Zone 1-4 travel card costing £2,000 a year in London. In addition to saving the environment and money, bicycles are often much faster in congested urban areas.

For those who do not yet commute by bicycle, the idea of using a bicycle to get to work may seem a bit daunting. However, it is much easier than you think, and all you need is a bicycle and a few accessories. Once biking to work becomes part of your routine, it can be an energizing way to start the day or a relaxing way to unwind after a long day. Busy people can also use their commute time to train. Taking part in outdoor training while sitting in a car or on public transportation can break up the monotony of training on a turbo trainer.

The beauty of biking to work is that any bike will do, but choosing the right commuter bike will improve the experience. The best commuter bicycles come in all shapes and sizes, including fast budget road bikes, touring bikes with plenty of cargo capacity, and comfortable hybrid bikes. With a little ingenuity, you can avoid the road altogether and commute to work on a gravel bike.

For those who want to participate, Canyon has launched the Canyon 30 Days of Cycling Challenge Strava Club. The challenge is measured in miles, but Canyon welcomes all riders and encourages each to set their own personal goals.

Canyon is also raffling off a signature urban 3-layer parka jacket, and to be in with a chance of winning, tag @canyon #30daysofcycling and #bikeisbest with your ride experience on They are asking you to share on social media.