The 16th Annual Bike to Work Challenge Has Come to an End. What Was the Month Like in the Saddle and Running Shoes?

The challenge, which aims to change people’s travel habits across Czechia, brought together nearly 20,000 participants, 56 cities and 1,800 organisations. Throughout May, they travelled primarily under their own power — not only to and from work. In doing so, they highlighted the need for safe infrastructure and the importance of non-motorised transport in our cities. At the same time, they gained an unconventional team-building experience and improved their mental and physical fitness.

Nearly 84% of all participants took part through their employer, which they can then nominate for the Cycle-Friendly Employer of the Year award. But the challenge is also open to individuals, families, groups of friends and neighbours — in short, anyone who cares about the health of our cities. Sustainable transport is an important tool for reducing emissions and creating more pleasant public spaces.

Data for Better Cities

This year, participants logged more than 4.1 million kilometres travelled without motorised transport in the Do práce na kole system, an average of 210 km per person per month. In anonymised form, this data can provide cities with valuable information about where and how intensively people actually move around them. This can help them improve, repair or build the infrastructure needed for safe and sustainable transport.

As part of the challenge, participants also rate the quality of the infrastructure each year, as well as the local authorities’ approach to its development, and choose the Cycle City of the Year. Since 2022, the Do práce na kole Cycling Breakthrough category has also recognised cities that have made significant progress in this area.

Consistency Is What Counts

The only competition category to remain this year was Team Consistency, because the aim of the challenge is not to break records but to bring about positive changes in people’s everyday behaviour. Teams achieving a consistency rate of 66.6% or higher are entered into a draw for valuable prizes from the challenge’s partners.

Awards ceremonies take place in participating cities throughout June. Even during May, however, numerous T-shirt Events, cycle breakfasts, cycling snacks and group rides brought participating teams and individuals together to share their experiences and enjoy discounts on products and services from the challenge’s partners.

Cycling Is Relaxation

The design of this year’s participant T-shirt and socks was inspired by the new promotional video for the May Challenge, titled Do práce na kole a z práce mmmmmm (“To work by bike and back mmmmmm”), which highlights the role of cycling in relaxation and mental well-being.

The video was produced by WMC/Grey and Creative Embassy, starring actress Luciana Tomášová. For the first time this year, participants could choose whether they wanted a T-shirt or a lower-cost option without the participant gift. As many as 88% nevertheless opted to receive the T-shirt.

Cycling Beyond May

Even though not all sustainably travelled kilometres are recorded in the system, this year’s May Challenge resulted in an estimated 657 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided, compared with travelling the same distance by car.

It also brought better moods and fitness, shared experiences, stronger calves and a sense of belonging to a community of people who care about safer mobility, the environment and public space in our cities and municipalities. Most participants continue using sustainable modes of transport beyond May — at least throughout the summer season, and some year-round.

As part of the May Challenge, the AutoMat association also organises Do školy na kole (Bike to School), a challenge for pupils, students and employees of educational institutions.

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