17km/h is a fairly relaxed pace, so you’d get to work in about an hour or less.

The question is, what is your infrastructure like? Do you have bike paths, bike lanes, snow clearing, etc. ?

You mention that you haven’t biked to work, but do you regularly bike? If you’re just new to cycling, then you’ll probably need to build up your fitness to ride 17km without feeling like you rode 170km. But if you’re an experienced cyclist who wants to bike to work, then it really shouldn’t be much of a problem.

17km per trip

Eminently doable.

I think its very doable.

But some factors can make it harder (do you need to bring stuff with you? Is it hilly? Is it cold? Is the bike infrastructure alright? How heavy your bike is? Etc)

I did a commute like this for 3 years. It’s very doable (and enjoyable!). A few things I did not anticipate when planning the trip.

In the summer you need to leave time to cool down/shower.

Head wind can significantly affect commute times.

You need to draw a line where you know it will not be safe to bike I e. Snow, heavy rain, heavy wind. This way you can plan for a back up.

Flat tires/bike malfunctions happen. Make sure you know how to repair things and that your job would be understanding. You would be surprised how the same employer might be understanding for a flat tire on a car but not on a bike.

This is my experience in The US at least. You should do it!

If you are in a decent condition it’s likely doable from the get go.

It’s definitely doable for almost anyone via gradual distance increase.

For reference:

I’m your average, feeble programmer. My only interest in biking is exchange of temporary suffering for a good chance at longer and comfier life. Also cheaping out on public communication tickets.

I was slightly overweight when started biking (25.5 BMI). I have 6km to work. Had to do round trip and back (so 18km pretty much your distance) one day a few weeks after starting bike commutes (I forgot something and had to do a round trip right after arrival).

At 6km at the start I was pretty spent and almost at the point of needing a shower.
At 12km I was exhausted, in pain and absolutely needed a shower.
At 18km, with a 15min break for a shower at home I was fucking dying (figuratively).

So if you never biked I suggest feeling out your limits and gradual acclimation. But it’s definitely achievable.