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Charmian Beedie, Head of Marketing at Cyclehoop, looks at ways to help your staff make the switch to active travel.
With the recent news that global warming has exceeded 1.5C across an entire year, it is now more crucial than ever for organisations and individuals to take action.
This announcement demonstrates the current challenge is everyone’s responsibility, as the increase brings us closer to breaching the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Helping your staff make a positive change in their travel choices will not only help reduce your organisations’ carbon emissions, it will also have a positive impact on their physical and mental health. In turn, this will improve their performance and attendance, with fewer sick days and increased productivity.
The health benefits of cycling
We all know that exercise and time outdoors improves our physical health. For many, finding the time to fit it into a busy schedule can be tough. When your commute doubles as your daily exercise, you’re saving time as well as the planet!
There are extensive studies into how cycling helps protect people from serious illness, including heart attacks, strokes, obesity, and some cancers.
Exercise also has a positive effect on brain function and longevity. Cycling stimulates the release of endorphins, helping boost mental health. Millions of working days are lost to stress and anxiety each year, so encouraging staff to cycle to work will help reduce absences and lead to a happier workforce.
Transport choices and your carbon footprint
Mobilityways Commuter Census 2023 showed that 47% of commuters travelled to work in a car or van, on their own. People commuting by car contributed 5% to the UK’s total carbon emissions. That’s 18 billion kg of CO2e annually.
The NHS is addressing this issue, aiming for a 50% reduction in staff travel emissions by 2033. Commitments like this are essential in helping the UK move towards a greener, more sustainable future. But how can you encourage change within your business?
Steps you can take
Educate your staff
Many people aren’t aware their company offers a cycle to work scheme, so make sure you provide the relevant information and encourage questions. For those who feel that they are not fit enough to cover the distance from home to workplace, e-bikes could be the solution. Most cycle to work schemes no longer have a £1k limit, opening the possibility of e-bike ownership to more people.
You could highlight local organisations that run cycling confidence sessions, or even organise one for staff.
Secure and easily accessible cycle parking for staff and customers
People considering cycling need to know that there will be a secure, weather-proof space to store their cycle. Providing storage that is accessible, and convenient will not only make their lives easier, but will demonstrate you are serious about supporting them in making active travel choices.
Services, like Cyclehoop’s Trips app, enable you to offer tailored access to secure parking at the touch of a button.
Additional facilities
Provide showers and changing rooms, so staff don’t face the prospect of arriving at work hot and sweaty from cycling. Drying facilities are also important, helping cyclists dry their kit after a rainy commute and continue to cycle through the winter.
Installing bike repair stands and pumps near cycle parking is a great way to help make cycling a safe and dependable option.
Demonstrate commitment
Lead the way when it comes to making active travel choices. When cycling is made practical and convenient, staff are empowered to leave the car at home. Investing in the future is good for your staff, your organisation, and the planet.