Biking gives a sense of freedom, fun and exhilaration. With the right infrastructure on the roads and in the workplace it can be a healthy, inexpensive and efficient way to get to work.
And employers benefit too. According to Bike to Work-Metro-Vancouver , people who cycle to work are healthier, more productive, take fewer sick days, and are less likely to change jobs.
The City of Victoria (BC, Canada) will soon be rolling out participation for its new Bicycle Master Plan. The goal of the plan is to identify key areas to improve connectivity and safety for cyclists. Personally, I would like to see Greater Victoria pull ahead as a future-thinking city with a vision for a safe and sustainable transportation system with engaging streetscapes and separated/protected lanes. (A recent Rethink Urban commentary talked about Victoria’s potential.)
With public engagement kiosks starting in February and workshops soon after, now is a good time for Victorians to pause and examine what businesses and workplaces can do to get on board and even pave the way.
It is more than the roads, bike lanes and cycling corridors that affect peoples’ ability to bike to work. Some key infrastructure in the workplace can really help cycle commuters:
• Secure & convenient bike parking
• On-site showers for the post commute refresher
• Change areas/rooms for switching into work clothes
• Access to equipment such as pumps and tools for quick on-the-go repairs
• An encouraging atmosphere of supportive co-workers
Check out more tips at ‘Be a bike Friendly Workplace’ from Bike to Work-Metro Vancouver.
What would you need from your workplace to start biking more often? What would a safe, efficient and engaging cycle network look like in Victoria? Make sure you get your perspective included in the new Bicycle Master Plan.
Some sort of incentive program might help to get those non-cyclists out to give it a try. Those are the ones who will be the hardest to motivate but will, if they act, provide the biggest return for the company.