Markku’s commute
“The day starts in a completely different way”
Company bike benefit gave the spark to actually do it
Markku Koivusaari, who lives in Ilmajoki, commutes by a Helkama e-bike and leaves his car home. The bike pays itself back in fuel cost savings.
It might well be that Markku Koivusaari would have bought an e-bike at some point in any case, but the company bike benefit got him to actually do it.
“I was a member of the workplace team that discussed the benefit. As soon as it passed, I decided to get myself a bike,” says Koivusaari, who works at the municipal planning department of Ilmajoki.
Even though the employer officially owns the company bike, the employee can freely choose the model they wish. Koivusaari chose the Helkama FE584 e-fatbike after a single test ride.
“A salesperson I know gave me the right kind of bike, put a helmet on my head and sent me off. I always sleep on it before major decisions – this time, too – but the next day the bike was immediately put on order,” Koivusaari says.
Accessories matter when commuting by bicycle
A company bike is not restricted to commuting, but can be freely used by the employee. However, Markku Koivusaari has used his new bike specifically for commuting. The journey of about ten kilometres in the countryside is an important new routine.
“The day starts in a completely different way when it starts with a half-hour bike ride. An e-bike is a great choice for this, so that the journey does not take too much time and is not too strenuous,” Koivusaari says.
Although a little sweat wouldn’t hurt, either. The company bike benefit created a small cycling boom among the employees of the municipality of Ilmajoki, as a result of which decent shower and dressing rooms were also provided at the workplace.
Koivusaari, too, always changes outdoor clothes to office clothing after the ride to the workplace.
“In addition to the right bike, it is worth investing in the right cycling gear. Even rain is not a problem when you wear waterproof clothes,” Koivusaari reminds us.
An e-bike pays itself back when there is no need to use the car
The e-bike has won Koivusaari’s affection so that he hardly goes to work by car. In addition to physical exercise and being outdoors, he saves both money and nature.
“The company bike benefit helps a lot, but an e-bike is still a slightly expensive investment. However, when the car stays home, the e-bike pays itself back,” Koivusaari reminds us.
In summer, Koivusaari intends to adventure increasingly with his e-bike also in his free time.
“I am a bird photographer, and I have already been on those trips with my bike. In the summer, I also have plans to go on longer tours with the bike.”
Making commuting by bicycle a pleasure!
Commuting by bicycle is possible with a wide range of bikes; choose one that matches your needs and journeys. With the right equipment and route choices, you will make your commute a moment of enjoying some personal time.
