Komerční banka set out on its seventh charity bike ride. This time to České Budějovice

“We’re riding through our training center in Libohošť, where we’ll stay overnight — and, just like every year, we’re riding for a good cause,” says Jan Vichr, Head of Product Development and one of Komerční banka’s biggest cycling enthusiasts. “We’ve got about 2 × 100 km ahead of us, and we’re really looking forward to it,” he adds. The amount raised by the participants, along with contributions from the public, will be doubled by the Komerční banka Foundation. Many of today’s riders trained for this cycling event of the year during the May “Bike to Work” Challenge, when the local bike room was buzzing with activity. “I think more and more people join us every year, and that makes me really happy — though the infrastructure could definitely be better. We’re not Brussels yet. But the claim that Prague isn’t suitable for cycling because of its hills is, in my opinion, false. The terrain in Prague is actually quite similar to Brussels, where cycling is pure joy thanks to paths separated from cars and pedestrians. I hope one day it’ll look the same here,” he says with a smile.

A short speech by the director

Hundreds of thousands for a good cause

“Komerční banka has been a long-time partner of AutoMat and the main partner of Bike to Work, and these cycling trips have become a wonderful tradition for us. This is already the seventh year that we’re riding somewhere across the Czech Republic. It brings our team together, makes us healthier, and it’s all connected with charitable activity. We all collectively raise contributions for the Komerční banka Foundation, and once all the donations are gathered, the Foundation doubles the final amount. Then it sends the money to children who are leaving children’s homes. Last year, the sum reached hundreds of thousands of crowns — we’ll see how it turns out this time,” says Jan Juchelka, CEO of Komerční banka. Of course, he’s among the crowd of cyclists getting ready to ride. And so is data engineer Ivo Kylar, who’s completing this year’s trip — just like the May Bike to Work challenge — on his folding Brompton bike.

It Wouldn’t Take Much

For Komerční banka, reducing emissions is a key priority — and according to the CEO, everyone truly enjoys biking to work.
“We’re lucky to have a great location and good cycling routes, whether through the Prokopské Valley or the small villages outside Prague. The May Bike to Work challenge has practically become a mass event here,” he explains. And what does he think about the state of Prague’s cycling infrastructure?
“I use it regularly and I’m happy for every new meter of bike path. Still, I think that many places in Prague remain unnecessarily dangerous — and with just a few small adjustments that wouldn’t bother anyone, separate bike lanes could be added on many roads quite easily. My personal favorite example is Strakonická Street, just before the turn-off to the riverside bike path toward Smíchov.” Tragically, that’s exactly where another fatal cyclist accident occurred during the last week of the summer holidays — proving Juchelka’s point. Greater safety for cyclists is also one of the main goals of our Zero Challenge (Výzva Nula) — and you can add your signature to support it here.

Clear Your Head Through Movement

Joining the ranks of employers who offer participation in the May Bike to Work challenge as an employee benefit is something the director definitely recommends. “Encouraging people to live a healthy lifestyle directly is far more effective than any kind of ideological pressure. So I highly recommend it — but above all, everyone should stay safe,” he concludes. For Jana Jenšíková from the Global Banking Department, this is her first time joining Komerční banka’s charity ride: “I really love cycling, but I’ve always had a lot of respect for this event. I’m more of a relaxed rider, I like to take it easy. But České Budějovice is such a special place for me that I decided to give it a try this year,” she admits. Last month, she tested herself with two longer rides and found out she could handle it just fine. She’s not out to break any records — she’s riding her trusted mountain bike, the same one she uses during the Bike to Work challenge. “My commute is short, about three kilometers, so I either bike or walk. I really enjoy sports — they recharge me — just like singing. After work, I either go exercise or sing in a choir,” she laughs. To those who are still hesitating about joining, she has a clear message: “Once you try it, you won’t want to stop. You clear your head — and doing something for yourself is truly important,” she concludes.

Jana Jenšíková joined Komerční banka’s charity bike ride for the first time

A Partner We’re Proud Of

At exactly nine o’clock, Jan Vichr gives the signal in front of Komerční banka’s headquarters, and 86 riders mount their bikes and set off toward the first traffic light on a long but meaningful journey. Two days of riding through the picturesque Czech countryside await them, ending in the South Bohemian capital — along with the joy of shared experiences and the knowledge that their effort will help young people start their adult lives with a little more ease. We’re truly proud that Komerční banka has been a long-term supporter of the Bike to Work Challenge, and we’re already looking forward to next May’s edition.

Líbí se vám, co v AutoMatu děláme? Podpořte nás a nakrmte AutoMat jakoukoliv částkou. Děkujeme.