Do you run a business in Bridgwater?

Have you thought about the benefits of supporting your staff in cycling to work? Here are the key benefits according to Sustrans:

  • improved employee health and wellbeing;
  • Increased productivity;
  • Reducing the impact of traffic on the local community;
  • Employee retention and motivation; and
  • A reduction in the need for car parking spaces.
  • By promoting active travel, employers can demonstrate corporate social responsibility whilst improving staff wellbeing.

So it’s win-win.

But how do you get started? Well, there are a number of different things you can do, and they don’t all have to be done at once.

If you’re a business owner in Bridgwater, you might be wondering what you can do to support your staff when it comes to cycling to work.

We’ve compiled a brief guide below, but you should also check out the excellent advice from Sustrans here.

Sheffield bike stands

First, make sure people have somewhere safe and secure to leave their bike while they’re at work. Options here include:

  • Sheffield stands
  • A locked area
  • CCTV
  • Charging points for e-bikes

If you own a local independent business, you can apply to receive FREE Sheffield stands from Life Cycle UK.

Next, consider a changing facility including lockers and showers if possible. This is especially important in hot or wet weather, to keep people cycling all year round.

According to Cycling UK, people who cycle to work take 27% fewer sick days compared to those who drive...
…and 73% of employees who cycle report greater productivity.

young woman on a bike

Don’t underestimate the power of your words, too. By promoting active travel among your employees, you’ll be sending a clear message that walking and cycling to work are welcome.

  • Highlight the benefits:
    • Improved mental & physical health
    • Lower commute costs
    • Better air quality
    • A quicker, less stressful journey with no hold-ups

You should also consider offering flexible working hours – this can make all the difference for some people – for example, where they have to drop kids at school before work.

Cycle to Work Scheme

Cyclescheme is a well-established and popular scheme that allows people to save 25-39% on a bike and accessories via salary sacrifice.

For more helpful advice on strategies to encourage active travel among your staff, head over to the Sustrans guide.