Why I Ditched My VW up! for a ROSE HOBO Bicycle

Recently, I've taken a meaningful step toward sustainability and a healthier lifestyle by swapping my VW up! car for a bicycle—the sleek and versatile ROSE HOBO. This change transformed my daily commute to the Cognigy office in Düsseldorf from a typical car journey into an invigorating cycling experience.

My route covers between 8.4 km and 10.14 km, depending on whether I ride through the vibrant city streets or enjoy the serene beauty along the river. By car, the quickest path was always around 9.9 km, but frequent traffic jams and the stress of rush hour significantly detracted from the speed advantage. I soon realized what I missed in speed, I more than made up for in enjoyment, exercise, and a cleaner conscience.

Reflecting on My Commute in 2025

As of now, I've made the bike commute 10 times, covering a total distance of 88.66 km. Here’s what my new commute choice meant for the planet:

  • 🚲 Bicycle: 0 kg CO₂ emissions – clearly the greenest choice!
  • 🚗 Car: Would have emitted 17.02 kg of CO₂.
  • 🚌 Bus: Would have emitted 7.27 kg of CO₂.
  • 🏍️ Motorcycle: Would have emitted 9.13 kg of CO₂.
  • 🚂 Train: Would have emitted 3.64 kg of CO₂.

Just within these first few rides, I’ve already prevented approximately 17.02 kg of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, compared to commuting by car. To put that in perspective, this amount of CO₂ is roughly equivalent to a one-way short-haul flight from Düsseldorf to Berlin!

ROSE HOBO

Beyond Numbers: The Personal Change

Switching to cycling has delivered more than environmental benefits. My new commute offers moments of tranquility, improves my physical health, and provides a sense of clarity that driving never quite matched. Riding along the Rhine, especially on sunny days, offers breathtaking scenery and fresh air—transforming what was once mundane into something I genuinely look forward to.

Looking Forward

This experience motivates me to keep pedaling forward. The ROSE HOBO not only replaced my car but also reshaped my daily habits and mindset. It’s a small but significant step towards a more sustainable future and an enriched lifestyle. I've even begun avoiding my car for longer trips, such as visiting my parents 100 km away up north, using the ROSE Backroad FF. This certainly makes me feel like a true athlete, and my car is now almost never used.

ROSE Backroad FF

Here's to many more kilometers pedaled, emissions avoided, and beautiful journeys enjoyed!

Have you considered cycling to work?