'It felt like the perfect alternative to the car!'

Maik, Service & Troubleshooting Engineer at DAF Trucks, used to drive his daily twenty-kilometre commute for years. Until he decided to change course. Through various cycling experiences, he eventually discovered what works best for him.

For Maik, the choice of the car was initially obvious. 'The car was fast and comfortable, and I found it perfectly normal to take the car for commuting,' he says. But like for many commuters, the daily traffic jam became an increasing annoyance. 'The traffic made it less pleasant to travel by car. Carpooling with colleagues did provide some sociability, but the delays remained frustrating.'

The need for more exercise during his office job gave him an idea

In addition to walking during breaks, he also decided to take the step to cycling. 'On my ten-year-old bike without electric support it was a challenge, but the distance was doable. Cycling is healthy, good for the environment, and I was outside. It took me 45 minutes instead of the 30 minutes by car, but it felt worth it.' Despite the showers on the DAF site, headwind and the extra travel time were sometimes an obstacle.

When DAF reintroduced the bicycle plan, Maik was given the opportunity to purchase a better bike. 'I hesitated between a regular bike, an e-bike and a speed pedelec,' he says. Although an e-bike would not save time, comfort ultimately won out over speed. The electric support made cycling a lot more pleasant, especially with a headwind.

Last summer he was given the opportunity to try out a speed pedelec through DAF

'I wanted to know if I might be better off with a speed pedelec. My route runs along provincial roads a lot, so it's ideal for such a fast bike,' he explains. The advantages were soon clear: the same travel time as with the car, but without the risk of traffic jams. 'The speed, time savings and convenience really pleased me. It felt like the perfect alternative to the car.'

However, the speed pedelec was not without its drawbacks. 'I quickly got used to the speed, but other road users do not always see you coming. That is why I held back on certain parts.' He also missed the relaxed feeling of the e-bike. 'With the e-bike I cycle a little more calmly, which allows me to enjoy the surroundings more. And with a headwind I hear less noise.'

For now, the e-bike remains the best choice for Maik

'It's a nice middle ground: not as fast as a speed pedelec, but comfortable enough to take the bike several times a week.' Still, he doesn't rule out going for a speed pedelec in the future.

Maik has a clear message for the doubters: 'Just try it! Not just for one day, but give it a week's chance. And make sure you have a nice bike, good accessories and the right cycling clothing. Then cycling to work will really be a pleasant experience.'