Bikes for Business How it works
Pool bikes are given to local businesses on a six month free trial basis with a full support package including
- Cycle parking
- Helmets
- Insurance cover
- Locks and maps
- Ongoing support
- Reflective vests
- Regular bike services from a professional pool bike company
After the trial, businesses have the option to either buy the bikes at cost price, hire the bikes with maintenance support or return them.
Biking in London
With more than 100,000 active cycling commuters a day, bikes are fast becoming a great alternative to London’s travel problems . Cycling is the cheapest form of transport available in the capital, with major financial benefits for businesses. Many organisations on the scheme have said cycling is a great alternative as public transport options are very limited for where they need to get to.
Current projects
Free bikes have been given to 18 businesses across Southwark, including Cable & Wireless and Better Bankside and the Tate. The project provides alternative solutions to London's transport problems including traffic congestion, pollution, congestion charging and parking. It also provides people at work with a quick, cheap and healthy way to travel around the capital.
Employees on the scheme will be surveyed at the beginning and end of the six month period to establish how much of a difference the provision of bikes and support has made to their travel patterns. A report will be written at the conclusion of the survey period.
The larger context
Bikes for Business is managed by Southwark Council in partnership with SEA/RENUE, Westminster University and Loughborough University. The project is funded by us and Transport for London as part of a Transport for London Good Going initiative.
The scheme also forms part of an innovative research project into tools for travel planning for the European partnership project, OPTIMUM2, which aims to tackle the accessibility and mobility problems caused by congestion in urban areas.
Companies involved
Companies and organisations participating in the scheme include
Pat Green of Victim Support in Southwark says, “I am very happy to be linked to this project. It is easier and quicker to cycle to a meeting than catch two buses. The cycle routes steer you away from the busier main roads and allow you get sense of the character and charm of Southwark. There is of course the added health benefits, of taking in some gentle exercise while at work!”
Funding extension
Transport for London is very enthusiastic about the scheme and has given a further £23,000 towards funding. We can now provide four additional large Southwark based organisations with bikes for their employees and looking for further interest from local companies.
Contact us
Diana Bunyan
Tel: 020 7525 5429
diana.bunyan@southwark.gov.uk
Chiltern House
Portland Street
London SE17 2ES
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Ché Sutherland
SEA/RENUE
Tel: 020 7820 3184
ches@sustainable-energy.org.uk |