Boost your occupational health management: How to integrate company bikes into your OHM program
Cycling keeps you healthy—and strategically using company bikes also boosts motivation and team spirit.
This article shows why bicycle leasing is the underestimated power tool in occupational health management—and how you can not only introduce it, but also make it an integral part of your corporate culture.
Why cycling is the underrated corporate wellness power tool.
Cycling combines endurance, strength, and coordination training with low impact on the joints. The World Health Organization and the Robert Koch Institute consider it one of the most effective everyday forms of exercise: just 150 minutes of moderate activity per week halves the risk of heart disease and significantly reduces overall mortality. (Source: WHO, RKI)
Facts, figures, data: fewer absences, better health with biking.
Risiken | Mit Rad-Nutzung | Quelle |
|---|---|---|
Risiko für Fehlzeiten | - 8 bis - 12 % | |
Risiko für Langzeitausfall (+ 10 Tage) | - 18 % | |
Sterberisiko durch | - 46 % | |
Krebssterberisiko | - 41 % |
How to integrate company bikes into your occupational health management program.
First things first: the following six steps show you how to turn your basic setup into a real health flagship. Pick out what suits your culture. You can also keep it simple: choose Deutsche Dienstrad as your partner, send a circular email to your staff (or use other communication materials provided; you can find more inspiration here) – and your company bike program will start almost by itself.
1 | Clarify needs and goals
Short online survey: How do employees get to work? What distances? What barriers? Use this information to set realistic goals (e.g., "+50 employees actively commuting within 12 months").
2 | Select the appropriate leasing model
It is important that digital end-to-end processes, comprehensive insurance, and maintenance are included. This keeps human resources costs to a minimum and ensures that the bike is always ready for use. Deutsche company bikes cover all of this.
3 | Kick-off with an experience factor
- Inspiration from local retailers: Ask a regional retailer to come by with a small test fleet. Test drives during lunch breaks and on-site advice reduce reservations—without requiring a lot of organization (at least not on your part).
- Short webinar for managers → Role as role models.
- Interactive FAQ session for employees.
4 | Gamification and challenges
- Ride & Win competition: Track kilometers via app, team results live on the intranet.
- Commuter pass: Every 10th bike ride = one point, reward from 50 points (e.g., vouchers for sportswear).
- Health ambassador network: Volunteer bike enthusiasts share route tips and success stories.
5 | Exploiting synergies
Combine the company bike with existing measures:
- Back training → practical exercises for cycling to work.
- Mental health workshops → emphasize cycling as a stress reliever.
- Nutrition courses → snack ideas for your saddle bag.
6 | KPIs and monitoring
Collect quarterly data on active users, kilometers, sick days, and staff satisfaction. This enables data-driven optimization and provides arguments for budget expansion.
Start leasing now
The company bike is more than just a mobility benefit. It is a measurable health booster that reduces absenteeism, reduces stress, and boosts team motivation. Integrate it strategically into your occupational health management program, combine it with playful challenges—and after just a few months, you will feel the momentum throughout the entire company.