Cycling to Work
The British have the longest commuting times in Europe yet in Bedford Borough around 50% of residents (36,000) travel less than 5km to the place of work or to the railway station for onward travel, ideal distances for cycling.
At the present time 67% of these residents (24,000) travel less than this distance by car and 9% (3200) by bicycle. There are many reasons for commuters chosing to use their car but there is scope for many more motorists to switch to cycling as their mode of travel. Why not try it out, in the first instance just one day per week.
Benefits for Employees
Fits excercise into your daily routine
Regular cycling improves your health and fitness
Excercise improves your body and mind and reduces stress
Avoids congestion and enables you to arrive at work quicker
Reduces your commuting costs
and in the end - You will enjoy the ride
Benefits for Employers
Reduces costs from parking demands and peak time congestion
Greater travel choice for staff; improved access to potential workers (20.6% of Bedford Borough households do not have access to a car (Census 2011))
Improved environmental image
A fitter and healthier workforce
A low cost benefit your employees will value
What Cyclists Need
Secure, convenient and covered cycle parking
Changing, shower and storage facilities
Direct and convenient access to site
Information on cycling routes and facilities
A positive, welcoming attitude in the workplace
Getting Started
If your site has no Travel Plan [Information on CCNB site] or the one in existence is out of date, request your employer to create one (or update an existing one) to include all modes of transport including cycling.
Count the number of bicycles on site and identify where improved parking is needed.
Talk to existng cyclists and encourage them to set up a Bicycle Users Group (BUG).
Getting Started Tips/Advice
British Cycling has a series of 13 videos called 'Commuter Smart' covering all aspects of commuting by bike on the roads of Britain, whether you're an experienced commuter, or cycling into work for the first time.
The videos take you step by step through tips and pieces of advice to start commuting with confidence.
(1) The basics of commuting by bike
(2) How to use your cycling commute as training
(3) How to plan your commuting route
(4) How to perform a bike check
(5) How to pack and carry your kit when cycling to work
(6) How to negotiate simple junctions when cycling
(7) How to negotiate roundabouts when cycling
(8) How to filter in traffic when cycling
(9) How to dress for your cycling commute
(10) How to deal with hazards on your commute
(11) How to commute by bike whatever the weather
(12) How to be seen in the dark on your commute
(13) Correct road positioning on your commute