Promoting Cycling

All his comes with the precursor of imho….

• worth perhaps group 'ideas' around a few key themes (though I don't know why I'm about to presumptuously suggest to a lawyer the benefits of structured thinking....)
  
• The principle key theme here is not to change behaviour, but to change consideration for cycling. To change the former is easy, you force people to do it, but they need to want to do it.
  
• They also need to understand why. The sell needs to start with it fitting with the wider direction of the firm (responsible business, low carbon, good for its staff) and the link through HR to being more ‘responsible’ than others in the sector, as a win on the recruitment front. Great earlier points here re: use of cycling couriers for example
  
• The firm should aim to touch cycling more than just on a day-2-day basis… so when there’s cycling racing on the TV why wouldn’t you try to show it in the staff restaurant for example… so… the LLP shows it’s committed. Key issue is of course getting all partners bought it to this.
  
• Charity fund raising via static bikes in reception during winter months keeps the profile up when it's cold and wet outside.... if you're going to launch all this now the weather's going to be a blocker so need consistent events through the winter.
  
• Then there’s the social side, rides and the like…there must be an ambitious Associate (aren’t they all) who could take on the ‘cycling club’ thing in the firm? And pursue the rides and stuff, they could also lead the cycling committee (I remember how my old magic circle firm loved a ‘representative’ committee)
  
• Moving down the scale from the firm’s ‘official’ commitment, through the firm wide ‘social’ commitment, and considering what benefits you can offer at low cost…
  
• On the big ticket official benefits side, offer up the opportunity to swap a free-season ticket loan, for a free bike loan; or longer term offer as part of a wider pay/conditions scheme as part of incentive package to the partnerships pick a limit and allow individuals to buy a bike which’ll be repaid as a taxable benefit rather than BTW scheme. Different value for different PQE’s say, or years with the firm (that way you can equate fee-earners with non-fee earners and drive out the them/us mentality. We are all at one in the world of cycling. The season ticket swap could be done tomorrow, the other issue could be on the list for the next pay negotiations.
  
• Moving down the scale to the more personal, low cost stuff – free (advanced) cycle training in work time (tell the Associate’s it could count towards their billable hours total. Don’t call it ‘cycle training’ on its own, as it’ll probably require the advanced tag to get people to do it.
  
• Don’t offer cycle training in a group though, it should be individual. Cost reduction by hiring a single cycling instructor direct on bulk deal to reduce costs. Equally go down the certificate line so everyone gets something at the end - maybe even encourage a few to become instructors?! Then you could do it in-house, and offer to other law firms ;-)
  
• LCC membership for all who take part in the cycle training.
  
• Offer to pay for all safety kit (helmets/fluro etc.) to reduce barrier to entry costs, and that works too with the ‘responsible’ company thing.
  
• A couple of company Brompton’s available at the front desk.
  
• Deals with nearest bike shop on all ‘stuff’. 15% for an exclusive should be no issue (wasn’t when I did this elsewhere for other benefits).
  
• And finally, a firm wide insurance scheme. Esp. for bikes bought through the work scheme.
  Apologies for long post, if you PM happy to talk through in more tedious detail on phone.
  
  

p.s. Would argue not just about 'getting creative', but about 'getting structured' to fit into DNA of the firm.

good post^

"I like your mince pie idea *mf."

my sacks gonna turn red if I keep eating mince pies at the current rate.

I've heard of some companies giving you a free breakfast if you cycle X number of days. At Chris King you get extra holidays! http://chrisking.com/company

Somewhere to dry clothes? I could do with that at my office

clive, agree with pretty much most of bagheera's post, lots of elegant solutions to getting round people's reluctance, I was going to say a big plus one on the company brompton idea. have a couple or more solely for business use, start to faze out taxi allowances and have staff ride to meetings outside of the office.
The first thing is to overcome people's reluctance to ride, and the usually unwarranted fear that it is too dangerous, exposing staff to easy cycling of the brompton/boris bike variety can be used as a gateway to more vigorous and long term cycling..

hope this goes well, more people/firms/businesses should be going down this route...
I salute you..

Things I wish my company had:

• A discount with the Evans downstairs. (or whichever LBS is most L)
  
• A toolbox / workstand / track pump etc. (Are there liability issues?)
  
• Showers / lockers etc. (but you're already there)
  
• Laundry service (ie, never have to take shirts home - just get them laundered over the weekend)
  
• Loaner lights for whenever I forget mine or the batteries die
  
• A pony.
  

Discounts on tech widgets folks can't seem to ride without these days, then link this to reward - i.e. If you can present garmin plots for 3 of 5 days per week on average you get a 5% bonus at end of month.

You'd need to tweak days and percent to make workable, but just an idea.

Sounds great Clive - when can I start?

• 1
  
  

If only Clive's work was like everyone else. Sounds like cyclists heaven.

We have very good facilities too, but the rate of cyclists has declined. Go figure.

Regular cycle to work schemes have boosted take up.

Free towels....... OMFG...

One thing I would say is when I work very long hours its is more tempting to take the train.

Thanks everyone. There are some really good ideas there and I will puut them to the meeting later this morning. This is just a first step in a concerted strategy to increase cycling. I have already proposed that when our courier contract comes up for re-tender, the idea of a "by bike unless impossible" clause should be inserted.

Zed, when i work very long hours, the attraction of cycling home on empty roads rather than waiting ages for a train, is more appealing.

Good luck with the meeting!

Vouchers for discounted Sports Massage - ease those tired muscles.

[QUOTE=cliveo;1789797. This is just a first step in a concerted strategy to increase cycling. .[/QUOTE]

Good stuff Clive. Given the time of year probably the best you can do is start to work towards something in the Spring. We should get together for a chat soon.

• If there is hills, bulldoze'm flat
  
  

You'll end up getting in trouble with the hill-lovers on here. ;)

Have you tried showing them some of your 'arse pics'?

All his comes with the precursor of imho….

• worth perhaps group 'ideas' around a few key themes (though I don't know why I'm about to presumptuously suggest to a lawyer the benefits of structured thinking....)
  
• The principle key theme here is not to change behaviour, but to change consideration for cycling. To change the former is easy, you force people to do it, but they need to want to do it.
  
  

This is absolutely right. Merely extolling the virtues of cycling is often a turn-off for people. It makes them think that it must be hard and unpleasant--the 'charity principle'--sit in a bath of baked beans or do a really hard, horrible bike ride to do your bit for charity and be virtuous.

• They also need to understand why. The sell needs to start with it fitting with the wider direction of the firm (responsible business, low carbon, good for its staff) and the link through HR to being more ‘responsible’ than others in the sector, as a win on the recruitment front. Great earlier points here re: use of cycling couriers for example
  
  
  

Beware of pushing the environmental angle--most people don't care about this at all. Sad but true. I always stress that 'the environment' is really one's immediate personal environment, not some abstract stuff about carbon calculations.

• Charity fund raising via static bikes in reception during winter months keeps the profile up when it's cold and wet outside.... if you're going to launch all this now the weather's going to be a blocker so need consistent events through the winter.
  
  
  

Again, I really wouldn't link cycling to this sort of 'virtuous' behaviour. It may be counter-intuitive, but lasting behaviour change only works when it is not the first thing to suggest to people that 'you're doing something wrong right now and you need to change your ways'. This can even put off people who have already begun to doubt what they're doing. Instead, just stress what the positives are for you and allow people to make their own decisions. Avoid abstract stuff and stress how enjoyable cycling is to you. 'I just love it' (if true) is sometimes all that you need to say.

Lots of other good suggestions in snipped-off bit.

Promoting Cycling in our firm

1 Why do we want to promote cycling in our firm?

(a) Health and well being
(b) Environmental concerns
(c) Morale
(d) Other?

2 What do we have at present

(a) Parking
(b) Showers
(c) Towels
(d) London to Brighton
(e) Cycle to Work
(f) Police visits
(g) Laundry and dry cleaning

3 What stops people cycling?

(a) Fear
(b) Distance
(c) Equipment
(d) Weather
(e) Lack of inspiration

4 What can we do?

(a) Bozza bike keys
(b) Cycle training
(c) Cycle maintenance
(d) Escorted rides
(e) Group rides
(f) Social rides
(g) Velodrome session
(h) Inspirational talk(s)
(i) LCC
(j) Show cycle races in staff restaurant
(k) Negotiate discounts at Local Bike Shops
(l) Drying room/facility

So this is the outline I put forward and which we are now pursuing with the firm's central management. It is not an overnight scheme but one that will take work over months and years. One step at a time but continually moving.

Any more ideas always welcome and, yes Will, I will buy you a drink and hear your views.

Cliveo,
It is brilliant that this meeting and scheme is being considered at your place.

I got laughed out of the office when I suggested that the shower might be used for something other than the storage of broken chairs and catering supplies.

Out of interest, what kind of place do youwork...?
Public sector...?
Private sector...?

There is an entire thread on Clive's private sector.

Prince W - a law firm in the City.

Lawyers that rock!

Ahhh right UTFS etc etc...

It sounds like your company is already one step ahead in terms of infrastructure. Some really constructive ideas here too...

I promote cycling within a workplace of 13,000 staff and I find that it is crucial to speak to non-cyclists as a normal person. This may seem slightly patronising. But do tone down the technical speak, it's essential you converse with your staff in a way they can relate to you.

Moreover, work out what your target audience is. Cue: marketing spiel. Importance of doing this cannot be overestimated. I won't go into detail (as most of it is fairly obvious) but if half of your staff are female and don't cycle then there is an inherent problem. Whether it be for safety/aesthetical reasons; why not provide literature to counter these negative/irrational perceptions of cycling. Provide group cycle training for women, this has worked in Tower Hamlets to a great effect

Cycling can be fun, safe, save time and keep you healthy. It's as simple as that.

How about...

• Think about setting up a cycle champions network. Get current cyclists to be advocates for you.
  
• Think about your car parking management. If you give out permits, then only give them to staff who really require them. Ie. child care commitments, disability etc. A blanket ban on anyone bringing their car to work who lives within a 5 mile radius. Then again, it is London, with great public transport services.
  
• How about an inter-departmental challenge or firm wide cycle challenge? Plenty of inspiration available here. See here to start with (PM me for more links): http://www.sportnottinghamshire.co.uk/shapeupnotts.php
  
• Freebies/incentives work well
  
• Bike wash in the summer
  
• Regular Dr Bike sessions.
  
• How about a promotional campaign in the Spring to get bikes out of staff's sheds and onto the road.
  
  

I could go on (but I won't)...

Clive, just a thought, I (as probably many others here) would be prepared to do a sort of 'compass ride' into the centre of town. Might help people who were unsure about traffic to ride with a couple who were confident.
Obviously, this doesn't remove the desirability of proper training, but could be a useful addition. It's sort of like a shared car scheme?

some good suggestions Andy Parkinson

Andy - thank you. One thing we are planning is a questionnaire "Why don't you cycle and what might change your mind?"

fruitbat. That could be a brilliant idea.

PM'd you Clive.