Getting internal support from those who already cycle to work can help organisations to encourage others to make the switch to more active and sustainable travel options.
If you are planning to introduce a cycling initiative as part of an Active and Sustainable Travel Plan, or you have an initiative in place lacking uptake, one way to get support and spread the word is to organise a Staff Bike User Group (BUG).
To start your Staff BUG, talk to those in your organisation to identify those who already commute by bike and would be keen to encourage others to join them in cycling to and from work. A Staff BUG should include experienced cyclists who can support those who are less comfortable cycling and may have hesitancies about changing the way they commute. It is also likely that those who already cycle to work will be enthusiastic about supporting a cycling initiative, which can be an excellent resource when promoting the benefits of cycling and active travel.
Before you start your Staff BUG, it is important to set out the aims of the initiative and how you propose to achieve them. There is a wide range of online resources available for Travel Plan Coordinators to research initiatives that have worked for others and how similar ideas could be implemented within their organisation. Members of your Staff BUG may also have been part of a cycling initiative with a prior organisation, so it is important to talk to them to understand how they were or weren’t successful.
Here are just a few ideas for your Staff BUG:
Bike Breakfast
Events such as a Bike Breakfast can be an excellent way to raise the profile of an Active and Sustainable Travel Plan by encouraging new people to get involved.
Lunchtime Rides
For less experienced cyclists, events such as Lunchtime Rides can help them to become more comfortable cycling in a group setting.
Doctor Bike Sessions
If bike maintenance is holding back your cycling initiative, speak with your Staff BUG or local bike shops to discuss arranging a ‘Doctor Bike’ workshop at your workplace.
Route Planning
Experienced-based routes mapped by your Staff BUG can help to ease new participants in to cycling.
More information and resources on cycling can be found on the Travelknowhow Scotland website.
For dedicated travel planning support, organisations in Scotland can benefit from Travelknowhow Scotland’s FREE consultancy package, which includes 3 days of tailored support.
