Cyclists can help to develop a cycling culture in any organisations with which they may be associated. Employers often wish to associate themselves with measures which help to promote health and reduce carbon emissions, but may not know how to begin. Here is Chester Cycling Campaign’s list of suggestions regarding how to start creating a cycling culture where you work or play.
1. Every organisation can start off by providing simple Sheffield stands that are covered, secure and well lit. Lockers and showers are important for long distant cyclists but less so for those commuting two/three miles. Remember a folding bike can easily fit in the office.
2. Consider forming a bicycle user group (a BUG) which could affiliate to a cycling organisation and provide insurance for any group activity, such as a social ride, that may take place.
3. Sign up to the government’s ‘tax free bikes for work scheme’ which allows employees to purchase a bike at half price and pay the rest of the cost off in monthly instalments
4. Offer decent mileage rates for employees who use their bikes to travel on business (the average is about 20p/mile ranging up to 40p/mile.)
5. Try to get all departments to think bike. Cheshire West and Chester council has a good planning guidance scheme for cycling parking that requires cycle parking in all new developments. The council should ensure that this is enforced and other organisations ensure that provision for bikes is made in any new developments.
6. Encourage senior staff to take a lead and cycle to work.
7. Try to arrange meetings that are accessible by bike (remember bikes can be taken on trains)
8. Be a bit more relaxed about dress codes. OK not lycra but do suits always have to be worn to the office ?
9. Offer free high visibility tabards for those who want them.
10. Remember cycling is fun, makes your employees fit and healthy, and reduces your car parking bills.
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