The Cycle to Work guarantee

Recently Lord Adonis, the Secretary of State for Transport, launched the Cycle to Work Guarantee. It's a voluntary scheme for employers, and it's part of the government's strategy to encourage sustainable travel.

The website www.cycletoworkguarantee.org.uk enables companies to show that they are (or they are aiming to become) a cycle friendly employer. Equally, employees will be able to see if their employer is (or is aiming to become) cycle friendly.

Currently only 3% of employees cycle to work (DfT 2007) and the Department for Transport would like employers to play a role in increasing the number of people who commute by bike. Some people may not cycle to work because there is nowhere for them to shower and change, or securely lock up their bike. The DfT believes that by putting a series of simple, relatively low cost measures into place, employers could help make cycling an attractive, viable option for travelling into work.

The Guarantee commits supporting employers to provide the following:

• Secure, safe and accessible bike parking facilities for all staff who want them
• Good quality changing and locker facilities for all staff who want them
• Offset the cost of cycling equipment through the big tax savings of the ‘Cycle to work’ scheme
• Bike repair available for cyclists on or near site
• An implementation plan including targets for take-up, training and incentives to cycle

Lots of employers have signed up already, Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council, North Bristol NHS and the University of Bristol.

To sign up your company or to find out more, visit the Cycle to Work website. To see how cycling could help in your workplace, download Cycling City's Gear Up pack and ask for a an advisor call in.