The fifth annual Cycle to Work Day takes place tomorrow (13 Sept), aiming to highlight the potential benefits of active commuting – including increased productivity and improved wellbeing.
Established in 2013 by Cyclescheme, a leading UK cycle to work provider, Cycle to Work Day is free for all participants and is supported by organisations including Sustrans, Cycling UK, British Cycling and Halfords.
The organisers say more than 35,300 people have already pledged to participate this year, covering an estimated 1,025,184 miles and saving 215,242kg of CO2.
747 businesses and organisations have signed up for the event, including the organic food supplier Abel & Cole, who say those who start and end the working day with fresh air and exercise are ‘improving their mental and physical wellbeing’.
Claire Claudia Ruane, Abel & Cole’s director of culture, said: “It really does seem that the only sure fire way to avoid traffic and public transport delays is by cycling – or walking, or course – to and from work.
“I can tell who’s cycled to work because they walk into work looking fresher, calmer and happier.”
Research from Cyclescheme published in the lead up to Cycle for Work Day suggests that cycling to work can have benefits for the workplace; 45% of employees surveyed said they experience less stress at work, and 47% cited improvements to mental wellbeing.
In addition, Cyclescheme points to Cycling UK research which suggests commuters who regularly cycle suffer less from illness and take fewer sick days, saving the economy an estimated £83m each year.
Adrian Warren, business operations director at Cyclescheme, said: “Our experience over the last five years has demonstrated to us first-hand the impressive benefits that employers feel when they have a workforce with an active commute.
"We’re proud to give first time cyclists and seasoned cycling commuters alike the chance to engage with us each year."
Pat –you claim health benefits from walking your dog, and the cycling champions claim benefits from cycling. Why are their claims classed as spin? I would think that there are more overall benefits to be gained by replacing a car journey to work with a cycle trip than by walking a dog and driving to work. Perhaps even walk the dog before cycling to work? These benefits are, I would expect, amplified in an urban situation where most people live.
Not every option in travel is open to everyone, perhaps as a result of where they choose to live and work, but often modes of travel can be varied and car used one day, cycle another, train and bus on other days. I don’t think most people are stuck with one mode other than those in a fixed mind-set where they cannot see the possibility or potential benefits of changing their habits.
Nick, Lancashire
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Far too much spin here from the cycling champions, thank you very much. I can tick the box on all those health benefits just by walking the dog. I also happen to be fortunate enough to drive to work on a congestion free route. Happy days.
Pat, Wales
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