UK national charity Cycling UK has launched its ‘Cycle Friendly Buildings’ accreditation scheme to make cycling to work more accessible for commuters.
The initiative builds on the charity’s ‘Cycle Friendly Employer’ international benchmark which accredits individual employers for encouraging their employees to cycle.
With the expansion of the scheme, Cycling UK will now accredit entire office buildings of all sizes to broaden the impact of cycling-friendly initiatives, and increase the appeal for more employees to cycle to their workplaces.
“Cycling UK will provide tailored support to landlords and building managers to make cycling more accessible for commuters,” Cycling UK Commercial Director Katie Legg told Zag Daily. “This support includes practical advice, resources, and guidance on how to create sustainable cycling infrastructure – such as bike racks, secure storage, and shower facilities.
“However, our approach goes beyond that. We will work with landlords and building managers to ensure that employees actually use these facilities, fostering a workplace culture that supports cycling.”
The guidance provided by Cycling UK includes encouraging business and building managers to communicate the positive impacts of cycling, such as reduced commuting costs and improved employee health.
Cycling UK will also help employers create and enhance policies that incentivise cycling to work, such as via cycle-to-work schemes.
Ongoing support will be provided even after a building has received the Cycle Friendly Building accreditation to ensure the improvements are made sustainable in the long-term.
It’s anticipated that extending the Cycle Friendly Employer scheme to Cycle Friendly Buildings will enable the charity to accredit more organisations as most buildings are occupied by more than one employer.
However, the charity will continue accrediting organisations through the Cycle Employer Scheme as it has been doing since 2018, and successful nominees of the Cycle Friendly Buildings scheme will be invited to join Cycling UK’s network of cycle friendly employers.
Northern Ireland’s capital of Belfast is a notable example of the popularity of cycling friendly workplaces, with 14,000 people currently working for a cycling accredited organisation.
“The goal is to not only provide the right facilities but also foster a workplace culture that makes cycling an easy, attractive option for employees.”
