Comments on: How do I get my employer on board with bike commuting? http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/02/13/how-do-i-get-my-employer-on-board-with-bike-commuting/ Tips, Hints, Reviews and Safety for Bike Commuters Sat, 18 May 2013 21:46:36 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: mike http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/02/13/how-do-i-get-my-employer-on-board-with-bike-commuting/comment-page-1/#comment-20833 mike Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:39:36 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/02/13/how-do-i-get-my-employer-on-board-with-bike-commuting/#comment-20833 Here in the UK we have <a href="http://money.guardian.co.uk/tax/story/0,1456,1500422,00.html" rel="nofollow">tax incentive schemes</a> which allows employees to buy bikes and accessories out of their pre-tax income with payments via monthly payroll. It's great, I bought a nice road bike for virtually half price on what works out as 12 interest-free payments. As for workplace bike commuting advocacy, try highlighting the following: Health benefits- employees who cycle to work generally take less sick days. Reduced lateness due to more consistent journey times by bike. Employee engagement- treating bike commuters well shows the company takes an active interest in their employees. Increased enagement=increased productivity. PR benefit- green commuting has PR value to pretty much any company, and is good value for money as PR goes. Reduced car parking cost. In the UK we estimate an annual cost of approx UKP1000 per parking space- you can park 6-8 bikes in a car park space..do the math! Approaching the uninterested employer: Prepare the ground first! Establish a base of commuter cyclists since employers are more likely to take notice of a group than an individual. Work on anything which builds a social base to cycling- after work rides, bbqs etc and try to get a key decision maker involved. Planning your approach is critical. Use the pitches above as a starter, and think carefully about what you're asking for, including a reality check on how much money you think may be available. Socialise the idea, targetting key influencers and decision makers. Prepare a good presentation , including costed proposals and make sure you have a 30 second 'elevator pitch' for that moment when you've got the attention of a decision maker. (Engineer these encounters!) Have patience... Here in the UK we have tax incentive schemes which allows employees to buy bikes and accessories out of their pre-tax income with payments via monthly payroll. It’s great, I bought a nice road bike for virtually half price on what works out as 12 interest-free payments.

As for workplace bike commuting advocacy, try highlighting the following:

Health benefits- employees who cycle to work generally take less sick days.

Reduced lateness due to more consistent journey times by bike.

Employee engagement- treating bike commuters well shows the company takes an active interest in their employees. Increased enagement=increased productivity.

PR benefit- green commuting has PR value to pretty much any company, and is good value for money as PR goes.

Reduced car parking cost. In the UK we estimate an annual cost of approx UKP1000 per parking space- you can park 6-8 bikes in a car park space..do the math!

Approaching the uninterested employer:
Prepare the ground first! Establish a base of commuter cyclists since employers are more likely to take notice of a group than an individual. Work on anything which builds a social base to cycling- after work rides, bbqs etc and try to get a key decision maker involved.

Planning your approach is critical. Use the pitches above as a starter, and think carefully about what you’re asking for, including a reality check on how much money you think may be available. Socialise the idea, targetting key influencers and decision makers.

Prepare a good presentation , including costed proposals and make sure you have a 30 second ‘elevator pitch’ for that moment when you’ve got the attention of a decision maker. (Engineer these encounters!)

Have patience…

]]> By: steve http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/02/13/how-do-i-get-my-employer-on-board-with-bike-commuting/comment-page-1/#comment-20672 steve Tue, 27 Feb 2007 07:53:13 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/02/13/how-do-i-get-my-employer-on-board-with-bike-commuting/#comment-20672 "what about an employer that has no considerations for commuters? No showers, bike racks, etc. How do you broach the subject with an employer that's currently not doing anything for us?" ..Anyone? “what about an employer that has no considerations for commuters? No showers, bike racks, etc. How do you broach the subject with an employer that’s currently not doing anything for us?”

..Anyone?

]]> By: John http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/02/13/how-do-i-get-my-employer-on-board-with-bike-commuting/comment-page-1/#comment-19955 John Wed, 14 Feb 2007 15:36:07 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/02/13/how-do-i-get-my-employer-on-board-with-bike-commuting/#comment-19955 Adam. Companies can get substantial tax breaks for things like "guaranteed ride home" programs for employees who use public transportation, car/van pool, bike or walk to work. Check with your local bike club for links to any state or national bike organization. They are available to get you started. Adam. Companies can get substantial tax breaks for things like “guaranteed ride home” programs for employees who use public transportation, car/van pool, bike or walk to work.

Check with your local bike club for links to any state or national bike organization. They are available to get you started.

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