Did you know that there are more bikes than people in the Netherlands? 23 million bicycles versus 17 million people! For short distances, bicycles are a popular alternative to public transport and cars. Especially in cities. In fact, one quarter of all journeys in the Netherlands are made by bike. And more than 20 percent of the daily commutes. Additionally, loads of non-Dutchies working in the Netherlands are familiar and enthusiastic about the Dutch cycling culture. While many international employees encounter challenges with becoming part of the Dutch cycling culture. So, many reasons to stimulate cycling to work and widen the Dutch cycling culture!

Cycling to work reduces the climate impact of your company

A bicycle doesn’t need diesel or gas. It runs on peanut butter sandwiches and coffee and maybe a little bit of solar power in case it’s an e-bike. Transportation is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions of employers. By changing the way we travel to work, we can help saving our planet. Employers can play a big role in how people travel to work. We will get to that later in this blogpost.

Cycling to work creates happier and healthier employees

The daily commute is the least happy part of the day and the least valued activity of the day. On the other hand British and Canadian research showed that people who walk or cycle to work are happier and healthier than people traveling by car. Recent Dutch research even showed that employees who travelled to work on foot or by bike before COVID-19, now actually miss their daily commute. As opposed to commuters who travelled by car or public transport. They don’t miss their commute at all.

Cycling to work saves parking space

A parked car needs seven times as much space than a bicycle. If your employees need less parking space, there is more room for your visitors. And why not turn asphalt into gras and plants?

Cycling to work is an alternative for public transport in COVID-19-times

Public transport is not the ideal transport mode is these times. Travellers will be required to wear a 'non-medical' mouth shield, in the train, bus, tram and metro. Passengers should also bear in mind that a maximum of 40% of the seats will be available. For travel distances up to 20 kilometres a bicycle, e-bike or speed pedelec could be an alternative. You know that most of your employees live within cycling range of your office?

What can I do to stimulate cycling to work?

There are 4 steps you should take to stimulate cycling to work:

1. Do some research and analyse how many people live within a range of 7,5, 15 and 22,5 kilometres from work. These people are your potential cyclists and e-bikers. Do a little enquiry and ask what withholds people from cycling to work. We can help.
2. Check your rules, regulations and allowances regarding cycling to work. Think about travel allowances for cyclists or other financial benefits for cyclists. We can help.
3. Check your facilities. Do you have a decent bicycle parking space? With charging facilities for e-bikes? Dressing rooms for people who like to change clothes? We can help.
4. Communicate! Tell your employees why cycling to work is important. Lead by example: higher management can also bike to work. Organise a cycling workshop focussing on practical tips or organise an e-bike experience. We can help.

Bereikbaar Haaglanden en Rijnland can help

Bereikbaar Haaglanden en Rijnland is a public-private, non-profit organisation funded by the national and regional government. Our goal is to make sure the region stays accessible to all in a sustainable way. We do this by involving employers, helping them with our mobility scan, advise and organising pilots and campaigns. If you become part of our network, we can help you with the four steps mentioned above. We are looking forward to discuss the details with you in an online or face-to-face meeting.