Cycle to Work Day encourages adults across the UK to get on their bike and give cycle commuting a go for one day. Why – because cycling to work is brilliant! It’s an easy way to boost your health and fitness, improve your wellbeing and show some love to the environment.
This year’s event takes place on Wednesday 13th September and it’s our fifth birthday – so the celebration of cycling will be bigger than ever! Cycle to Work Day started in 2013, and every year this annual event has grown. Today, it’s a way of celebrating those who are already passionate cycle commuters, as well as those who are giving it a go for the very first time.
So dust off your favorite bike and get ready to join in the UK’s biggest one-day celebration of cycle commuting on Wednesday 13th September 2017.
What employers need to do to take part:
- Tell your staff! If you do one thing, encourage employees to ride on the day – there are resources to help you do this
- Run an event. It’s always great to run an event for staff – whether it’s a free coffee and croissant or with a local retailer.
- Write a press release. If you’re going to invest time in getting your staff on bikes, why not celebrate your success?
Employer advocacy of cycling is crucial if we are to create a culture of cycling in the UK. Businesses who take cycling advocacy seriously will reap the rewards. Employers that actively promote cycling generate additional car parking spaces, enjoy improved rates of staff retention and cultivate a healthier workforce. They can also save money for both their staff and the business through Government initiatives such as the Cycle to Work scheme.
Cyclescheme and Halfords, the UK’s largest providers of Cycle to Work schemes, enable employees to save at least 25% on a new bike and/or accessories package. Complimenting this, employers can save up to 13.8% on every bike processed. It’s win-win: for every £1000 spent on getting staff on bikes, employers generate up to £138.00 in National Insurance savings – making the scheme cash positive!
These savings can help the bottom line, or they can be utilised to reinvest in creating a culture of cycling in your workplace. Some employers organise mobile cycle mechanics to visit their workplace on a regular basis, offer staff free cycle training and invest in facilities such as lockers, showers and cycle storage. A best practice approach to promoting cycling as an employer can be seen in this case study.
Whatever you do as an employer, pledge your support to Cycle to Work Day and ensure your colleagues are making the most of their commute.
For more information email: info@cycletoworkday.org