Increasing cycling and walking within your organisation can help your employees and your workplace become healthier, happier and more productive.
'Active Travel' means making journeys by physically active means, like walking or cycling. Encouraging active travel helps to improve air quality, address climate change, combat inequalities, improve general health and wellbeing, and reduce congestion on Derbyshire roads. It’s also a great choice for businesses which operate shift work, outside of normal public transport hours.
The Derbyshire Cycling Plan (2016) sets an aspiration to create the most connected and integrated county for cycling within England. Businesses can help to support this by developing a cycle-friendly workplace. This will show your commitment to sustainable practices, as well as the health and wellbeing of staff and enlarging your pool of prospective employees.
Adopting a cycle-friendly workplace brings benefits both to the organisation and to the staff.
Organisational benefits
Financial
Investing in walking and cycling can also help to reduce parking costs, either by reducing the space required, or reducing the requirements for organisations to subsidise the cost of parking facilities to their employees.
Cycle parking can also bring financial benefits to the surrounding area. It has been proven that cyclists spend more per visit than car drivers, so accommodating cycle parking outside retail or other businesses could also increase profitability.
The adoption of a Cycle to Work Scheme saves both employers and employees National Insurance contributions.
Staff wellbeing
Employees who walk or cycle for their commute are often more productive and less likely to take ill-health related absence. Levels of depression among cyclists is also lower, supporting a healthier and more engaged workforce, and such employees are also likely to have lower stress levels. Workplace health and wellbeing solutions therefore are proven to deliver tangible improvements to employee engagement and productivity. The cost-saving benefits and flexibility offered by supporting cycling can be attractive to employees, and can help with staff retention and recruitment.
Sustainable and corporate social responsibility
Improving cycling facilities boosts an organisation's corporate image and conveys a sense of social and environmental responsibility. It also signals a business' commitment to combatting climate change, something which is becoming increasingly important to staff and clients. It may also help to reduce the level of neighbour complaints about parking.
Accommodating staff travel choices and work patterns
Providing cycle facilities helps to support a diversity of travel choices which staff may adopt on their commute to work. It helps to facilitate choice of travel and responds to the increasingly flexible way in which people work. Employees who work shift patterns or flexible hours, for example, may not have the same access to public transport options, therefore cycling removes some of the potential barriers to getting to and from work.
Staff benefits
Health and social
Adopting an active commute to work is great for employee fitness. Just 20 minutes of exercise per day cuts the risk of developing depression by 31% and increases the productivity of workers. If you have staff who live a relatively short distance from their workplace, cycling and walking to and from work can be a great way of embedding exercise into their lifestyle. The health benefits of cycling and physical activity range from reducing the risk of cancers, Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. Feeling more energised and less stressed also contributes to better workplace satisfaction and mental health, and provides an opportunity for social interaction between those who find common ground in cycling.
Adopting sustainable practices
Adopting sustainable practices, such as a shift from the car to more active modes of travel also help to decrease traffic in congested towns and urban areas and helps to reduce air pollution, with further benefits for health. Many individuals are becoming more environmentally conscious and are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Provision of cycling facilities will help to encourage staff to adopt cleaner and more active modes of transport, and support low-carbon efforts.
Cost-effective commuting
Cycling is a cost-effective way to commute, and is cheaper than other modes by removing the need to pay parking fees, fuel costs and fares. Cheaper travel can result in significant cost-saving benefits for the individual in the long term, which can help with staff retention and recruitment.
Existing support
Workplaces throughout Derbyshire can encourage cycling by taking advantage of the following initiatives we've already put in place.
The Derbyshire Cycle Network
With aspirations to become the most connected and integrated county for cycling within England, we are investing in a cycle network which will cover the whole region. A high-quality network is being developed, and many organisations may find themselves in proximity to the Key Cycle Network (KCN), Local Cycle Network (LCN) or Town Networks, creating an opportunity to encourage staff to arrive by bike.
We have prepared a regional Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (known as a LCWIP) which will cover the areas of Derbyshire, Derby City, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City. This plan will help to support the delivery and the funding of the Derbyshire cycle network.
Our Cycle Derbyshire route planner will help your staff find a great route from A to B, using quiet roads and traffic-free trails.
Modeshift STARS Business Scheme
We use the Modeshift STARS business scheme, which recognises organisations which have shown excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable and active travel. The system is used to develop and monitor Workplace Travel Plans, using the accreditation element to recognise the delivery of effective Travel Plans and measures which encourage active travel. Businesses can achieve either a green, bronze, silver, gold, or platinum award.
Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation
The Cycle Friendly Employer award is another accreditation scheme. The award is internationally recognised and sets a benchmark for active travel culture and infrastructure in the workplace. Registered organisations are judged on the measures they have implemented to encourage cycling, and achieve either a gold, silver or bronze award. A cycle-friendly employer will promote a cycle-friendly culture, infrastructure and policies within the workplace.
How to encourage cycling within the workplace
There are many incentives which you can offer to encourage cycling within your workplace. These show a commitment to investing in cycling, which can help to encourage your employees to get on their bikes.
General principles for cycle parking
Well-designed, high-quality, and convenient cycle parking can greatly help to influence the decision of employees to cycle. A number of principles have been developed to help explain what works well:
- cycle parking should support any type of bicycle without damaging it- both when the cycle is parked and if it is accidentally knocked over
- it should be possible to secure both the frame and the front wheel to the stand
- cyclists bending to lock their bikes should not be at risk from passing vehicles, and the route to access the cycle parking should be safe, accessible and clear
- parked bikes should not obstruct emergency exists or accesses within or to the building
- a proportion of cycle parking (typically 5%) should be provided for non-standard cycles to accommodate people with mobility impairments
Location
The best placed cycle parking is located in proximity to the workplace. Ideally, cycle parking will be as close as the nearest available car parking spaces, in public view, secure, sheltered, well-maintained and well-lit, otherwise it is likely that people won't use it.
Cycle parking at the front of the building can be convenient for visitors and disabled cyclists who may be unable to walk far. A secure underground carpark can be appropriate for staff parking, but only if it is well signposted and easy for staff to access.
Locating the facilities within 20m to 30m of the main entrance means the parking is accessible and makes a positive statement.
If there's no existing cycle parking, it might be helpful to look where cyclists are currently parking their bikes as an indication. It will often be a location of convenience.
Security
Security is a primary consideration for longer stays. Cycle parking should be well-lit, overlooked and secure. Lighting is particularly important for places where staff work shifts or irregular hours. It should be possible to securely lock the bikes frame and the bike wheels to something immovable.
Installing the cycle parking in overlooked locations is preferable so it benefits from natural surveillance. However, longer stay staff cycle parking may benefit from CCTV, as its likely some may leave their bike overnight or over the weekend.
The advantage of workplace cycle parking is that it can be incorporated within a site's secure perimeter. If any parking system relies on the use of keys, combinations or swipe cards, it is essential that access is managed efficiently to accommodate new cyclists.
Provision
It is better to over-provide cycle parking infrastructure. There should be enough cycle parking spaces to cater for both the existing and the potential demand.
Recommended provision should provide for the number of staff who already cycle to work, plus an additional 50% in order to accommodate growth. It is good practice to add 20% once occupancy levels reach 80%.
Route
Routes to and from the parking should be clearly marked. There should be no barriers, difficult road conditions, or safety hazards to accessing the cycle parking. Opportunity should be taken to link to the Derbyshire Local Cycle Network where possible. Consideration should be given to health and safety issues and keeping clear of pedestrian and vehicular routes.
Style
The design of the cycle parking equipment should seek to complement the surroundings and be of a high quality. Where possible it should promote cycling within Derbyshire, either through route maps or local references.
Signage
Using signs to let users know cycle parking is available is an important way to promote use of the facility.
Types of cycle parking provision
Sheffield stands
Sheffield stands are a common and cost-effective cycle parking solution. The stands accommodate all types of bikes and allow the user to lock their wheels and their frame in a variety of ways. Each stand can accommodate 2 parked bicycles. They are durable and easy to maintain and are a good solution for most workplaces.
Covered cycle parking
Covered cycle parking offers protection from the weather and makes a positive statement about the workplaces commitment to providing cycle infrastructure.
Two-tiered racks
Tiered racks are useful in accommodating cycles in restricted spaces and have a smaller footprint, however they are not as accessible to use, nor do they offer the same variety of locking options as the Sheffield stands. Signage may be required to instruct some on how to use the racks. Two-tier stands required a ceiling height of at least 2.7m.
Cycle compounds
Locked shelters offer additional security and protection from the weather. It is important to communicate how to access and enter the locked facilities so staff know how to use the shelters.
The following cycle parking solutions are not recommended for adoption.
Butterfly wall racks
Butterfly racks are unpopular because may be too narrow for fatter tyres, don't support the whole cycle and make it difficult to use a lock effectively. There is also a tendency for bicycle wheels to bend whilst using. These are not encouraged within the workplace.
Semi-vertical racks
Semi-vertical racks are common inside buildings and where space is limited, however lifting the bike is not always possible for users, and some tyres can be too wide to fit into the wheel slots.
Layout and dimensions
An average bicycle is around 1.8m long and 650 to 700mm wide, depending on handlebar width. When being pushed, the overall width increases to around 1.25m to account for the space taken by the user, however clearances must be allowed for either side.
- 0.6m clearance to walls
- 1m clearance to front to enable bicycle to be wheeled into position
- at least 1m between stands
Please also refer to the following documents for detailed cycle parking design guidance:
Maintenance stands
Shared air pumps, toolkits and fixed maintenance stands within the workplace can be highly convenient for cyclists. These could be shared within the workplace, or provided as a fixed, integrated unit. If the latter, this should be robust, secured in place and located in proximity to the cycle parking facilities.
Changing facilities
People who commute short distances may not require a change of clothes, however changing facilities, showers and facilities to dry clothes may be appealing to those travelling a longer distance.
Changing facilities are best placed adjacent to the shower or locker rooms for convenience of use. Further benefit can be gained from investing in shower facilities by making them available to those who exercise during the workday.
Lockers can also be useful to allow employees to safely store their belongings and cycle accessories and can help to reduce clutter.
Other measures to support cycling
It's not just parking and changing facilities that can encourage your staff to cycle to work. Here are some ideas for other initiatives you could introduce.
Bicycle user groups
A bicycle user group (BUG) helps to maintain a social element of cycling within the workplace. BUGs can take many forms and, once established, they can usually maintain themselves with members taking the opportunity to promote cycling activities and establish a group of cyclists to share ideas and questions. Most importantly the BUGs can help to make cycling fun and introduce a social element which fosters a sense of inclusion among cyclists.
Incentive events
Workplaces can host events to help incentivise cycling and active travel. Workplace cycle breakfasts, cycle challenges or the national Cycle to Work week are all ways of recognising and rewarding staff who travel in by bike. Love to Ride is a free platform for cyclists which includes rewards and incentives for people getting on their bikes.
Maintenance classes
A maintenance class is a good way of addressing barriers which may discourage new and current cyclists. These can be used to demonstrate common repairs such as puncture repairs or gear adjustment and can be delivered over a lunch break with a local bike provider. The sessions are a good way of empowering and educating staff on how to maintain their cycles and can also foster good relationships with local training providers or cycle shops.
Dr Bike
Dr Bike is a mobile bicycle mechanic service delivered to workplaces, provided at no cost to the employee. The mechanic will carry out a safety check, replacing consumable parts, such as brake pads or cables, if required. The employee receives a feedback form, detailing the work that has been carried out and what additional work is required, and the service helps to ensure cycles are fit for purpose.
Financial incentives
The cost of buying a bike can put some people off the idea of cycling - especially if they're inexperienced and don't want to make to make a big investment in a bike if they don't feel confident on the roads. But there is help available.
Cycle to Work Schemes
The Cycle to Work scheme is a government initiative which helps to attract new cyclists through a salary sacrifice process. There are many 'Cycle to Work Schemes' which employers can sign the business up to. The salary sacrifice scheme involves the employee agreeing to give up part of their pre-tax salary in exchange for the hire of a bicycle or equipment. A hire agreement is agreed between the employee and employer, who has either purchased the equipment or leased it from a third party. The employee pays for the hire via the salary sacrifice arrangement with the employer.
A Cycle to Work scheme can benefit both the employer and the employee; the employee pays less tax and National Insurance Contributions, and the employer is able to save on employer National Insurance Contributions. Any employer, of any size, across the public, private and voluntary sectors can run a Cycle to Work scheme. However, the tax and NI benefits apply only to staff who are treated as employees for tax purposes. Self-employed people cannot participate in this scheme.
It is an easy incentive to provide and implement. Any scheme will enjoy the full benefits of a cycle to work scheme when accompanied by a supportive workplace for cycling culture, which includes the provision of cycle storage and staff facilities.
Pooled schemes
A workplace pool cycle model provides another option for commuting staff. It works on the basis that a fleet of bikes is purchased and accessible to employees for active travel and works particularly well if staff have to make a number of short work-related trips. Workplaces pooled bike schemes can replace less sustainable trips and reduce associated costs by offering an active-travel replacement. Pooled bicycles should be easily accessible, close to where they are needed, securely stored and well-maintained. Having a variety of sizes is also useful to accommodate different users.
Discount at a local bike shop
Negotiating a discount with a local bike shop can also help to incentivise employees. In addition to offering a 10% to 20% discount on proof of a payslip, retailers may also be happy to provide demonstrations within the workplace. Alternatively building connections with local charities which sell low-cost or reconditioned bikes can also help make cycling more affordable for those new or returning to cycling.
Loans and leases
It may also be worthwhile leasing bikes to individuals or giving loans to staff to buy their own bikes. These loans could be combined with public transport season tickets which would help to support multi-modal travel and account for longer journeys.
Cycle mileage allowance
Employees may be encouraged to use their own cycle to conduct workplace journeys or travel between meetings by provision of a bicycle mileage allowance. The recommended rate is 20p per mile, with exceptions being places on pooled bikes. Different rules also apply for the self-employed, and this cannot be claimed on commuting mileage. See HMRC's guidance for employees who use their own vehicles for work.
Cycle hire providers
Employees may be interested in getting comfortable on a bike in their spare time, in which case it is helpful to inform them of local cycle hire providers. Additionally, many cycle hire providers replace some of their cycles every year, sometimes selling them at the end of summer. For details of cycle hire locations across the county, check the Cycle Derbyshire leaflet attached to this page.
Further information
Contact our sustainable travel team email sustainable.travel@derbyshire.gov.uk