Bike Commuting Tips for Employers

Would employers really want their employees to bike to work? Isn't this activity for students, the poor or those unfortunate folks who have lost their licenses? What good can come from this for the Wisconsin workplace? Lots! Consider a few:

• Fewer sick days, cheaper health claims. Biking to work provides employees with valuable exercise, which often leads to better health, and less sick time.
• Better work productivity. Employees who exercise have less stress, they can focus their minds better and they are more alert.
• Less congested and crowded parking lots. If everyone left their car home one day per month, employers would need five percent fewer parking spots. If everyone left the car at home one day per week, parking could be cut 20 percent.
• Being a good corporate citizen. In addition to these tangible benefits, a company that promotes biking to work is seen as a good community member – concerned about the environment, land use, traffic congestion and the health and morale of those who work there.

Many resources are available to encourage bike commuting. Communities throughout the United States have set up programs to alleviate traffic congestion, parking and air quality problems.

Since bike commuting is often a component of these programs, many helpful tips can be found by searching on the Web or in the library for what is already being done.

Closer to home a ready-made handbook called "Parking for Free: A Bicycle Commute Program Guide for Madison Area Employers" can help with the specifics of employer-sponsored bike commuting. The booklet is divided into three sections with information for companies and workers.

The first part of the guide lays out why bike commuting is a good idea for both workers and employers and goes on to explain how to implement a program. An appendix follows with resources for employers such as case studies, Web sites, books, bike parking manufacturers and bicycle safety instructors.

A section at the end can to be copied and given to employees. It includes commuting tips and techniques, safety information, a "getting started" check list and how to overcome the most common barriers to bike commuting. The whole publication can be downloaded off the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin's (BFW) Web site or a copy can be purchased in notebook form for $25. Simple and inexpensive changes can be made to encourage bicycle commuting: Make bicycle parking visible.

Don't hide bikes back by the dumpster! Treat bicyclists to front door

preferred spots.

Many companies give gift certificates or health points for biking or walking to work. These are often paid for by the company health plan since exercise will reduce costs in the long run.

Also, making a workplace truly attractive to dedicated bike commuters often means having a place to change or clean up. Although bike commuting often doesn't result in sweaty bodies and clothes it's nice to know a shower is at the end of a ride during the summer!

Some workers would like to bike to work, but don't know how to get around safely. Helping bicyclists find safe routes to the workplace and setting up a "buddy" program – sort of a carpool for bikers – can make first time commuters feel more comfortable.

Lunch time or after work talks or classes covering bicycle commuting topics such as clothing, traffic, routes, weather and maintenance can promote biking and allow employees to overcome their reluctance.

Also, use employees who already bike to work as role models. Bicyclists love to share their knowledge and get others to pedal.

Finally, don't forget that an event like "Bike to Work Day" can create an incentive for everyone to try bike commuting today, not "someday." More help on implementing a bicycle commute program for employers is available on the BFW Web page. Also try these other useful links: Bike to Work Week – Madison: www.btww.org and Bicycling Community Page: danenet.net.wicip/bcp.

Robbie Webber is the program manager for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin and she is the Madison Bike to Work Coordinator.