The daily commute contributes significantly to an individual’s work-related carbon footprint and yet, in Hull, only 6.9% of people cycle to and from work – according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
There are many reasons that an employee may not currently choose to cycle to or for work, such as affordability, lack of awareness, access to facilities (such as secure cycle parking, lockers, showers, etc.) or a lack of skills and confidence. These can all contribute to a difficulty in changing travel habits.
As part of its strategic objective to encourage people to make more sustainable and active travel choices, Hull City Council is sharing the following key insights and expert advice that businesses and organisations can put into place to support and encourage their workforces to cycle to and from work.
The benefits of an active commute
Many people often don’t realise or fully appreciate the benefits that an active commute can have for them, as an individual.
According to Sustrans, research shows that keeping physically active can reduce the risk of heart and circulatory disease by as much as 35% and risk of early death by as much as 30%.
It’s recommended that adults take part in 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week.
One way to achieve this target is to do 30 minutes of exercise at least five times a week – the perfect length of time for short, local journey by cycle.
How to motivate employees to make the change
Nationally, the ONS highlights that as many as three million commuters travel as little as two kilometres to work, making an uptick in active commuting one of the most actionable ways to drive down corporate emissions.
In addition to helping deliver on sustainability objectives, cycle-friendly employers’ benefit from a reduction in staff absences because a healthier workforce is a happier and more productive workforce.
By offering staff benefits, such as an employee health programme, you can help increase job satisfaction and support staff retention as well as tackle other issues identified by many businesses and organisations as being detrimental, such as traffic and congestion.
In addition to providing health and wellbeing support, businesses and organisations can also participate in Government-backed cycle to work schemes to provide staff with the opportunity to purchase a cycle and cycle equipment through monthly tax-exempt instalments.
To support businesses and organisations within the city, the council is also encouraging employers to join Modeshift STARS, the national travel plan accreditation scheme.
The scheme, which is fully funded by the authority, making it free for Hull businesses and organisations to join, recognises workplaces that go above and beyond in developing, implementing, and monitoring an effective travel plan to bring about a change in travel behaviour and reduce the number of single occupancy car journeys to, from and between sites.
The benefits and advantages of a workplace travel plan include:
- reductions of single occupancy car journeys, which helps alleviate pressure and congestion across site car parks
- identifying availability and accessibility of viable transport options, based on staff locations
- potential to improve and develop site connectivity links through sustainable and active travel
- improving staff wellbeing, with physical and mental health benefits.
If you are a large business or organisation and would like to take part in the Modeshift STARS programme, contact Caitlynne Adams, travel plan officer (business) at Hull City Council, at caitlynne.adams@hullcc.gov.uk
Making cycling more accessible
Businesses and organisations in Hull can also access a variety of services and support to encourage their staff to make more active travel choices.
First Step Sports Group and R-evolution both work with the council to help break down barriers to active travel.
First Step Cycle, part of First Step Sports Group, is funded by the council to run the Rusty Riders adult cycle training programme, which is delivered at various locations around the city, across the year, and is completely free to sign up for.
Sessions are around two-and-a-half hours and are led by a fully qualified instructor who takes participants through a variety of practical lessons designed to boost confidence and help those who haven’t cycled for a while gain the skills needed to ride on the city’s network.
With businesses and organisations in Hull increasingly focusing on the sustainability agenda, R-evolution’s expertise is also in demand.
The charity already works with many businesses and organisation in the city to provide solutions to their staff transport needs, whether these be bike loans, Dr Bike sessions, to check and repair the bikes of commuters, or the loan of electric bikes to offer people the chance to try one out before they purchase.
Visit r-evolution.org.uk to find out more.
- To find out more about cycling in Hull, visit travelhull.co.uk/bike
