Cycle to Work Guarantee Launched

The Government has launched a scheme which challenges businesses to become cycle friendly employers by making it easy for staff to cycle to and from work.

By signing up to the ‘Cycle to Work Guarantee’ businesses can signal their commitment to cycling by providing the facilities and incentives to help your workforce become healthier, greener and more productive.

The voluntary initiative from the Department for Transport (DfT) is part of the government's strategy to encourage sustainable travel.

Currently only 3% of employees cycle to work (DfT 2007) and the Government 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.

Employers are being encouraged to sign up to the guarantee to show that they are or that they intend to become a cycle friendly employer. Equally, employees will be able to see if their employer is cycle friendly or is aiming to do so.

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

To sign up your company or to find out more, go to the Cycle to Work Guarantee website.