Sure signs that winter is almost over -- the first buds on the trees, and the return of bicyclists on the roads. Once temperatures start to rise, riders who took a break during the cold weather months get their bikes out of hibernation, dust them off, and emerge to hit the streets. Spring weather is an invitation to bike commuters to leave their cars at home and start enjoying the ride to work. 

Only about 1% of commutes in the U.S. are by bicycle right now, but analytics from StreetLight suggest that number may be on the rise. This is great news, as cycling alleviates congestion by reducing the number of cars on the road which in turn contributes to a decrease in air pollution.   

Biking can potentially impact carbon emissions. According to the ITDP  a 20% increase in bike commuting worldwide could reduce C02 emissions from travel by almost 11% by 2050. The many health benefits for those who ride include burning about 300 calories per day and lowering the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Biking is low impact and improves mental wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety. 

Overall, Massachusetts is pedaling in the right direction, getting an “A” for being bicycle friendly according to a 2022 report card from the League of American Cyclists. So, what can individual companies looking to shift gears and move towards environmentally friendly employee benefits do to promote bicycling?

Here are five things employers can offer to help encourage employees to bike to work: 

1. A secure place to leave a bike. 

Bike racks outside work well for short-term storage. These can be used for trips between buildings on a campus, or outside of workplace amenities like the cafeteria. An indoor bike storage room where bikes can be stowed safely and protected from the elements works best for long-term storage during the day.

2. Showers and changing facilities. 

Biking, especially in warm weather, can leave some riders feeling uncomfortable when they arrive at work. A clean place to take a shower and change, and maybe even store some clothes and toiletries, gives riders a chance to freshen up before they start the workday.

3. Bike repair capabilities.

This can range from just having some simple tools like wrenches and bike pumps available, to a full stand to mount the bike and work on it. Being able to do basic bike maintenance at work, such as changing a tire, or tightening a handle is a great way to eliminate some of the uncertainty that comes with trying a new commute mode.

Hosting a bike tune-up event with a professional mechanic on-site is also a good way to ensure that bikes are in good working condition at the start of the season.

4. Bikeshare access.

Bikeshare programs can provide a gateway to trying cycling by offering the chance to ride without having to worry about owning and storing a bike. It can also give employees who live too far away to ride to work the opportunity to use a bike during the day to run errands or go to meetings without having to drive. Employers can sponsor a bikeshare station near their worksite, or can offer a discount on membership in a bikeshare program such as Bluebikes.  

5. A bike community at work.

Sometimes all that’s needed to get started with cycling to work is a support group. Bike communities can provide guidance on what gear is needed, what routes to take, and what to pack for the trip. Organized lunchtime bike rides are a great way to practice learning how to ride on nearby roads. Setting up commuter challenges or providing small incentives like gift cards or bike gear can increase engagement.  

Whether you go big or keep it small, fostering a positive bike culture at your office can lead to a happier, healthier, environmentally conscious workplace. Hosting a Bike to Work event with educational materials, safety information, and fun giveaways is a good place to start.

To see if an event for Bike Month is being planned near your worksite, Contact TransAction Associates.