Cycling makes us feel good, contributes to good health, and is a very affordable way to get around. We can agree that these are all benefits that business leaders want for their employees, customers and visitors.
So why not become a favorite bicycle business? It’s easier than you think.
The first and most important thing to do as an employer is to signal your support for cycling in the workplace. Welcome – even celebrate – employees and traveling visitors. Recognize that for some, it’s about making time to be active, for others a financial necessity, and for others still, a preferred way to reduce their climate impact.
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Second, you can’t bike without a bike! The importance of providing a safe place to park a bicycle cannot be underestimated. Theft happens and can happen quickly, even in broad daylight. A closed place in line of sight or in a secured place is best.
Ideally, this place has a roof. The inclement weather does not prevent a frequent rider, but the regular exposure is hard on the equipment.
Finally, know that bike riders have bags, helmets, and possibly a change of clothes that they need to look after. Providing a place to keep these safe and accessible can facilitate their transportation planning.
Beyond these principles to be a bicycle-friendly workplace, there are many other supports or incentives that a business can put in place, depending on how they operate.
Consider policy changes that support cycling, such as those that allow for more casual dress, provide one kilometer for cycling to meetings or other work activities, or enable a flexible daily schedule that relieves the pressure of the clock the time
Some businesses also want to make available a tire pump, a tool kit and a home-paid emergency voucher for unexpected situations.
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The owners of Trent Health in Motion, Reanna Montopoli and Michael Williams, are longtime active transportation practitioners.
“We really try to structure our lives to involve as much activity in our daily routine as possible,” says Montopoli. “And we’re trying to build that now to include our entire business.”
Among its efforts, Trent Health in Motion – a member of Green Economy Peterborough – helped GreenUP pilot a bike-friendly workplace audit to be launched later this year.
Says Montopoli of their collaboration, “One of the things we have found rewarding in owning our own business is the ability to have an impact, a greater positive impact, on our community than we can as individuals” .
Biking to work may not be an option for everyone due to workday transportation requirements, shift work limitations, distance from work to home, physical ability, and other factors. and activities needed at different stages of our lives.
But making cycling an option for staff and visitors can go a long way to building a positive workplace culture, employee pride and a future brand. Green Economy Peterborough recently ran a webinar dedicated to empowering bike friendly businesses in Peterborough (you can watch it below).
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Are you “curious about bike commuting”? Shifting Gears could help!
For 20 years, Shifting Gears has been helping to support the citizens of Peterborough to adopt active and sustainable transport habits and has some exciting functions, events and resources this season.
Visit greenup.on.ca/shifting-gears/ to learn about the various bike transportation programs offered in our community, including Rack ‘n’ Roll, Winter Wheels, and the corporate membership B!KE: The Community Bike Shop.
Spring also means the May Shifting Gears Challenge is on, inviting community members and workplaces to track the journeys they make during the month of May by walking, biking, taking transit, carpooling, or telecommuting .
Participants can join the challenge as individuals or as a team, and take advantage of workshops, prizes, individual transportation consultations, and more. Jobs are also eligible for awards this year, not to mention bragging rights.
Find out about this fun challenge, cycling initiatives, Green Economy Peterborough, and more on the GreenUP website at greenup.on.ca.
VIDEO: “Creating a Bike Friendly Workplace: The Business Case and Best Practices”
