Four German companies, Trumpf, Brose, Rehau and Mubea in Taicang, Jiangsu, have encouraged employees to commute by bicycle from May 22 to the end of the year, reported the Taicang Daily.

They rolled out three incentive plans. People who ride to work at least 15 times a month will be rewarded with stationery; people who ride to work at least 33 times a quarter will receive riding equipment; and people who ride to work at least 75 times a year will be recognized with cycling clothes.

"Compared with driving, cycling is environmentally friendly and healthy," said the manager of the German Chamber of Commerce in Taicang, adding that Taicang has good road conditions as the roads are wide with few travelers.

He said the cycling activity will be expanded to more companies next year.

On the first day of the activity, 80 staffers from the four initiators bicycled to work.