Employees in the Herzogtum Lauenburg district are participating in the "Mit dem Rad zur Arbeit" (Cycle to Work) campaign, a health initiative organized by the AOK NordWest. Participants aim to complete at least 20 days of commuting by bicycle between May 1 and August 31 to promote physical fitness.
How the Cycle to Work Campaign Functions
The "Mit dem Rad zur Arbeit" initiative, which has run for over two decades, encourages commuters to replace car or public transport trips with cycling. According to the AOK NordWest, participants must log at least 20 days of cycling to work or home-office-related fitness rides in an online calendar at mdrza.de by September 17.
The program is designed for flexibility. Commuters who cycle only part of the way—such as to a train station—remain eligible. For those working remotely, "fitness rides" integrated into the daily routine count toward the 20-day goal. Teams of up to four colleagues can also register to participate collectively.
Health and Environmental Objectives
The primary goal of the campaign is to integrate consistent physical activity into the daily routine. Reinhard Wunsch, service region manager for AOK, notes that regular cycling strengthens the immune system and musculature while reducing risks associated with high blood pressure and diabetes.
Beyond personal health, the campaign aligns with broader regional efforts to promote sustainable transit. Claus Ruhe Madsen, the Landes-Verkehrsminister for Schleswig-Holstein, serves as the campaign’s patron. He has emphasized that the state government is committed to improving infrastructure to ensure that cycling remains a viable, growing component of the regional transport network.
Participation and Incentives
Registration remains open throughout the summer, provided participants can still reach the 20-day threshold before the August 31 deadline. To incentivize participation, the AOK and its partners offer prizes for those who complete the challenge. These include:
- E-bikes
- High-quality bicycle accessories
- Bicycle insurance policies
These prizes are provided by third-party sponsors supporting the initiative. Participants are required to track their progress via the official online portal, which serves as the central hub for verifying the 20-day requirement.
Key Program Details
- Campaign Period: May 1 – August 31.
- Deadline for Logging Days: September 17.
- Minimum Requirement: 20 days of cycling.
- Eligibility: Open to all employees, including remote workers and multi-modal commuters.
- Registration: Available at www.mdrza.de.
Keep reading