Bike to Work Day is a great opportunity to encourage your workforce to get more active.
FIT FOR WORK
Physically fit employees are healthier and happier. Plus, research finds that “green exercise”—any activity that takes place outdoors—not only helps improve mood and sense of well-being but also the likelihood of sticking with an exercise program. That’s a win-win!
What does this mean for business? A lot, actually. Here are some big ways physically fit employees strengthen business.
Reduced health care costs – Moderate physical activity such as bicycling to work saves 5-12 percent in annual medical costs, compared with a 6.5 percent savings from employees who don’t smoke.
Fewer missed days at work – Physical activity is one of the few factors that have a statistically significant effect on absenteeism. Physically fit employees are absent an average of two fewer days per year.
Increased productivity – Battling daily traffic congestion is not only stressful but often decreases employee morale. In contrast, bicyclists and walkers often report feeling relaxed and more alert after arriving at work, ready for a more productive day.
Reduced parking costs – Some employers maintain significant overhead to provide free or reduced parking to employees who drive to work. Considerable savings can be achieved when employees use alternative means of getting to work such as bicycling.
BE A BIKE-FRIENDLY WORKPLACE
Now that you know all the great reasons to support bicycling, here are 9 steps you can take to promote biking and make your workplace more bike-friendly. You don’t have to do them all at once. Start with one or two and build from there!
- Designate an employee as your bicycle coordinator
- Provide bicycle parking/storage
- Provide lockers
- Have onsite changing facilities and/or showers
- Offer parking cash-out
- Relax dress codes on biking days
- Offer flexible schedules
- Order free bike guides and bike maps from Commuter Connections
- Host bike safety and/or maintenance classes
HOST A LUNCH-AND-LEARN
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) offers an hour-long class that’s perfect for employees who are interested in commuting to work by bicycle. The Everyday Bicycling Seminar is a brown bag meeting held at your business and covers a range of topics, including route selection, bicycle choice, dealing with cargo and clothing, bicycle parking, lighting, reflection, and foul weather riding.
Commuter Seminars are offered upon request. A fee may apply.
For more information on booking a class for your workplace, reach out to education@waba.org. The Washington Area Bicyclist Association can assist your organization by working with your designated program coordinator to evaluate facilities and identify safe routes to your workplace.
Learn more about commuter bicycling.