Small changes, such as providing bike parking, can be a catalyst for big behavioural change
Mapping local routes options can be hugely helpful for staff and visitors
Combining public transport and cycling can be useful for staff with longer journeys
If you want to change your workplace’s approach to cycling, walking and public transport but don’t know where to start then we can help.
We’ve got lots of great ideas and actions that you can use to change your workplace. Some of them are really quick and easy. You can get started on them today. here si our top 10:
1. Find out how staff travel to work
Carry out a survey to get a clear understanding of people’s travel choices. What are the barriers that currently prevent people from walking, cycling, using public transport or car-sharing?
2. Survey your workplace with a site survey
Build up a picture of how easy your workplace makes it for those who want to walk, cycle or use public transport, and identify areas for improvement.
3. Review your policies
Do your organisation’s policies support walking, cycling and public transport use? Clear company guidelines offering support for staff are crucial in changing organisational culture.
4. Map the route to work
Give travel directions to your office in the healthiest order, to encourage new staff and visitors to travel more actively. Start with walking and cycling, then public transport then car travel. Make sure you include car-share options.
5. Provide information
Gather and distribute local walking, cycling and public transport information. Check out our guides on:
Let staff know about the benefits of active travel with posters in the workplace, articles in your organisation’s newsletter/e-news and messages on payslips.
6. Encourage car sharing and bike buddying for new cyclists
Find out more about car-sharing or investigate car club membership options in your area. You can also help staff to set up bike buddy programs where an experienced cycle commuter shows a new cyclist the best way to get to work.
7. Cycle training and bike maintenance at work
Encourage people to try something new by organising cycle training, bike maintenance sessions and group rides. Why not book a local bike mechanic to come in to check staff bikes and teach them some maintenance basics?
8. Consider financial and practical support
Register for the Cycle to Work scheme to help your staff spread the cost of a new bike over 12 tax-free instalments. You may want to consider offering monthly loans for public transport season tickets.
You could purchase a small fleet of pool bikes and stock the office with spare locks and puncture repair kits for cylists. Walkers would appreciate a supply of umbrellas for rainy days.
9. Create opportunities to be part of a wider movement
Being part of a group makes it easier for individuals to change their own habits, so join up with national events like Bike Week, Cycle to Work Day and Lift Share Week, or create your own organisation-wide challenge. We've got a special team of staff who create bespoke challenges for workplaces.
10. Appoint staff travel champions
Encourage champions. Staff who are keen walkers and cyclists are a real asset to your organisation. Invest in these people and encourage them to spread the word to colleagues. Have a look at our workplace travel champions training package to find out more.
Change can take some time to embed but there are definitely quick wins to be had. Repeat your activities over time to create a lasting change in your organisation.