Workplaces are evolving to meet the needs of their employees. Among the growing trends is the rise of bike-friendly workplaces—companies that actively encourage and support employees who cycle to work. As sustainability and employee well-being take centre stage in workplace culture, being a bike-friendly employer is no longer just a “nice-to-have” – it’s a strategic move that benefits your business, your employees, and the environment.
At first glance, being a bike-friendly employer might seem like a niche initiative, but it’s much more than that. It’s a strategic decision that positively impacts everything from employee well-being to environmental sustainability. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, embracing cycling culture can unlock a host of benefits for your organisation.
In this blog, we’ll explore why being a bike-friendly employer isn’t just good for your employees—it’s great for your business.
Attract and Retain Talent
Employees are increasingly drawn to companies that prioritise their health and well-being. Regardless of what positions we are talking about, talent and the right people in the right place are often the true drivers of success in any business, from small shops to large offices with hundreds of staff. Investing in attracting and then keeping good employees is your best bet against economic instability, rising costs and loss of knowledge.
Employees typically feel dissatisfied with a workplace for reasons like low pay, no additional benefits and lack of opportunities for advancement. Offering bike-friendly benefits—like secure bike parking, showers, or incentives for cycling — signals your commitment to a healthier and more sustainable workplace. It shows you care about your employees beyond the day-to-day work they do for you. People appreciate that, and this can be a game-changer for recruiting and retaining top talent, especially among environmentally conscious and health-focused individuals.
Boost Employee Productivity and Health
Cycling is an excellent way for employees to stay active. This is a tremendous personal benefit for each worker who bikes to work, but it goes beyond that. Regular physical activity reduces stress, improves mental clarity, and boosts overall mood. This improves people’s lives in many measurable ways, all of which contribute to increased productivity at work. Employees who cycle to work tend to be happier and more productive. Cyclists arrive at work more motivated and don’t experience the same energy dips as their non-cycling counterparts.
According to research, employees who cycle to work take fewer sick days and have higher energy levels throughout the day. A study found that individuals who maintained cycling to work reported fewer sickness absences than non-cyclists. This association persisted even after adjusting for baseline sickness absence, suggesting a direct link between regular cycling and reduced absenteeism.
Lower Your Carbon Footprint
Reducing emissions isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business. Supporting cycling to work can significantly decrease your organisation’s carbon footprint and demonstrate your commitment to environmental sustainability. This aligns with growing consumer and stakeholder expectations for corporate responsibility, giving your brand a competitive edge. Many initiatives that reduce carbon emissions—such as energy-efficient practices, waste reduction, or encouraging sustainable commuting—can also lower operational costs.
Additionally, as the climate crisis is becoming more pressing, governments worldwide are increasingly introducing stricter environmental regulations to combat climate change. By proactively reducing your carbon footprint, you’re avoiding potential fines and positioning your business to take advantage of financial incentives, tax breaks, or grants offered to sustainable organisations.
Save on Parking and Transportation Costs
Encouraging employees to bike to work can reduce the need for expensive car parking spaces and minimise congestion around your office. Fewer cars mean less need for extensive car park infrastructure as bikes take up significantly less space, and for every car not parked, you can fit nearly a dozen cycles. With much cheaper cycle parking, you will save thousands on construction and materials.
Fewer cars on-site mean lower maintenance costs alongside a better urban environment for your business. Businesses often have to rent additional parking spaces from other companies or the council. These expenses can add up to thousands every year and can be significantly reduced by encouraging more employees to bike to work.
Enhance Workplace Culture
One of the best things about cycling is that it unites people in a new way that isn’t based on rank or where your workstation is. Promoting cycling fosters a sense of community among employees based on a common interest. Group rides, bike-to-work challenges, or incentives for cycling can build camaraderie and encourage a positive, inclusive workplace culture. Plus, initiatives like these can be a fun way to engage employees and bring teams together.
Simple Steps to Get Started
Getting started on your journey to becoming a bike-friendly employer isn’t too tricky, and a few simple steps would be enough to move you in the right direction.
You can begin by taking care of one of the cyclists’ biggest worries – a safe and secure place to park their bikes. Installing a few good-quality bike racks, stands, or lockers is a great stepping stone. Once you have this foundation and your employees know bike parking is provided for them, you can build on that.
Many employers start organising bike-to-work days or regular social cycling challenges or meet-ups. You can also get in touch with a local bike repair shop and get an employee discount or arrange for them to organise cycling workshops to cover topics like repairs and maintenance to boost everyone’s confidence on the road.
Additionally, joining a cycle-to-work scheme could be helpful for you and your workers. Here is a guide on the topic which may be useful to get you started.
Becoming a bike-friendly employer isn’t just about encouraging employees to cycle to work—it’s about creating a workplace culture prioritising health, sustainability, and community. The benefits extend far beyond reducing carbon footprints or saving on parking costs. By fostering an environment that supports cycling, you’re investing in the well-being of your employees, enhancing workplace morale, and demonstrating your commitment to environmental responsibility.
Moreover, these efforts make your business more attractive to talent, customers, and stakeholders, providing a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving market. Simple steps like installing bike racks, organising cycling events, or joining cycle-to-work schemes can lead to long-term gains for your organisation.
In embracing cycling, you’re supporting a greener planet and building a stronger, more dynamic, and forward-thinking workplace – a win-win for your employees, your business, and the world.