The Benefits of Active Commuting 

Looking for a healthier, greener way to get to work? Celebrate Bike to Work Week with the Blue Bus May 12–16 and learn how combining biking and transit can make your daily commute fun and energizing. Whether you’re joining us for the festivities or just looking for a new way to get moving, active commuting is a powerful way to support your well-being all year long. 

Why Active Commuting Matters 

Modern life often keeps us tied to our desks and cars, but small changes like active commuting can have a big impact. According to studies published in BMJ Public Health, active commuting, primarily biking to work, is associated with impressive health benefits. 

Compared to non-active commuters, people who cycle to work are shown to have lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and death from any cause. Take a look at the data below: 

And that’s not all! Cyclists also reported lower sickness absences and better mental health compared to those who commute only by car. 

In some studies, people who biked through natural environments showed even greater boosts to their mental well-being. Active commuting is a simple way to fit exercise into your daily routine without needing an extra trip to the gym.

In addition to the health benefits, active commuting provides even more advantages: 

1. 1. Save money: Reducing your car usage saves you on fuel, maintenance and insurance costs. Plus, the Blue Bus is fare-free and MyBlue™ rides are only $1 per trip. 
   2. Support mental wellness: Physical activity has been shown to improve mood and decrease stress. When you combine a ride through fresh air with less traffic frustration, your commute becomes something you actually look forward to. 
   3. Help the environment: Choosing to bike or bus reduces your carbon footprint. Every trip you don’t take by car helps cut air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 
   4. Boost workplace performance: Studies show that active commuters often arrive at work more energized, alert and ready to focus. 

Whatever your motivation, better health, saving money or helping the planet, active commuting is a win-win! 

The Blue Bus makes your active commute easy, affordable and flexible with easy-to-use bike racks equipped on every Blue Bus and MyBlue™ van, allowing you to combine biking and public transportation for a simplified commute.  

Here’s how to bring your bike on the Blue Bus: 

• Before the bus or MyBlue™ rideshare arrives, walk your bike to the stop and wait safely until the bus or rideshare comes to a full stop. 

• Loading your bike: let the driver know you’ll be loading your bike. Approach from the front or curb side of the bus. If the rack is folded up, squeeze the handle to lower it. Lift your bike into the open slot and secure the front wheel with the support arm. 

• Unloading your bike: before you exit, alert the driver. Remove your bike by lowering the support arm and lifting your bike out of the rack. If the rack is empty, fold it back up to the locked position. After retrieving your bike, move to the curb and wait for the bus to leave before riding off. 

Our 26 routes and four MyBlue™ Zones make it easy to design a commute that works for you. You have the flexibility to ride part of your commute on the Blue Bus or with MyBlue™, get off at a stop that’s convenient for you and ride your bike the rest of the way!  

If you think active commuting would be a great addition to your routine, come by the Bike to Work Week event on May 13 to get more information on adding biking to your daily commute! Plus, you can participate in Bike to Work Week May 12 through May 16. 

Bike to Work Week Event Info 

The New Mexico Department of Transportation will host a Bike to Work Week resource fair at Santa Fe’s South Capitol Station bus loop on Tuesday, May 13. Come see us at the morning session from 7:30–9:30 a.m. or the afternoon Session from 12–1 p.m. and learn about commuting by bike and transit, pick up helpful resources and free swag and ask questions about routes, bike safety and planning your trip. 

This is a great opportunity to get tips, connect with other commuters and jumpstart a healthier, more eco-friendly way to get to work.

Active commuting doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Even biking to a bus stop and catching the Blue Bus for part of your trip counts, and it adds up to real benefits over time. 

Take the first step toward a healthier commute. Grab your bike, hop on the Blue Bus and enjoy the ride! 

We’re so excited to have you on board! To help you make the most of your Blue Bus experience, be sure to stay connected: