Create a cycle-friendly environment

Following the launch of Boris Johnson’s cycle hire service in London this summer, the pressure on companies nationwide to provide adequate facilities for cyclists has increased. Here’s a guide to preparing your building to support bike riders

25 November 2010 

The rewards for providing a few basic facilities for cyclists will more than outweigh the initial investment. As well as the obvious benefits such as improving productivity and attendance by creating a fitter, healthier workforce, it’s good news for corporate social responsibility: the average person making a typical daily car commute of four miles each way would save 0.5 tonnes of CO2, or 6 per cent of their annual carbon footprint by switching to cycling. By reducing the number of cars at the workplace, you may also free up valuable land for development or subletting. The cost of cycling equipment can be treated as capital expenditure, meaning employers can claim capital allowances against it, and by showing your organisation’s support of bike riders, your
brand will be boosted and staff retention is likely to benefit. 
So how do you gear your building up for cyclists?

1. Start with a survey
Your pitch to the boardroom for encouraging cycling will be strengthened enormously if you can produce a few hard facts that support your proposals and show them to be good value. A travel survey, site audit and action plan process will identify deterrents to cycling as well as providing solutions. A company-wide survey will draw together the basics, such as how employees currently travel to work, and how many live within easy cycling distance of your workplace. Other questions should include how many people would give cycling a try if conditions were improved and what sorts of improvements do staff think are needed.

2. Install showers
If you can afford the space and installation costs, a shower room will be a great help for cyclists coming a distance or during summer months. They are likely to be used by non-cyclists too: joggers, motorcyclists and perhaps employees who want to wash and change if they are working longer hours than usual. Your travel survey should enable you to calculate how many showers are needed. If showers on-site are out of the question, investigate the possibility of arranging a deal with a local private gym to let staff use their changing rooms.

3.Lockers/ drying room
If showers can’t be accommodated and there isn’t a cooperative gym nearby, you’ll still need to provide a place away from the main working area for cyclists to change, hang damp clothes and freshen up for the office. Providing clean towels is inexpensive, but will be very much appreciated. Lockers will also be required for users to store items such as helmets, jackets and panniers.

4. Invest in secure storage
Good quality cycle parking is often cited as the most important provision an employer can make for cyclists, as theft is a constant problem and a major inconvenience. There are plenty of devices available at a wide range of prices, but some are much better than others. Avoid those that simply hold a bike by its front wheel, as many modern bikes have quick release fittings on wheels, meaning a thief simply has to flip 
a catch to steal most of the bike.
Speak to seasoned cyclists for advice on the best products available and make sure you install them in a location near to a building entrance, with adequate lighting and plenty of spare capacity for visitors. Try to position stands where staff can see who is coming and going. If your premises has CCTV, place the stands within range. In areas where theft rates are severe, concealing bikes completely with fences and lockable gates or providing space for storage inside the building might be an option.

5. Provide a communal tool box
This will be one of the cheapest facilities you can provide, but it will be invaluable in showing your support and consideration for cyclists. It’s a trust-based system, but staff will generally respect that (some may even donate old or duplicate tools), and replacement costs for any missing items will be insignificant. Try to store your kit in an area where minor repairs can be carried out.

6. Promote your service
Good signage for cyclists will not only help staff and visitors to find facilities, it will also promote to the whole workforce and clients that your organisation is forward-thinking enough to provide this benefit. One big concern many people have about getting on the bike is traffic safety, so make tips and maps available, and don’t forget to add cycle routes and parking details on the ‘how to reach us’ section of your company’s website.


Facilities to consider
● A pool bike to be used by anyone who needs it for a work related journey
● Hair dryers and a tumble dryer for wet clothes or towels
● A mailing list for cyclists within the organisation for news and updates (make sure any potential cyclists can easily access this too)
● Cycling proficiency training to teach skills, confidence and safety on the roads. Cycle maintenance courses are also very useful (many local authorities offer free or subsidised training for people who live or work in their borough)

● Enforcement of a 20mph maximum speed limit on your site

● Registration with the government-backed Cycle to Work Scheme 
– whereby employers can purchase bikes tax-free for staff to use

Martin Atkinson is managing director of PiMS Workspace