The following story from the UK is a good example of a multi-stakeholder effort – government, corporations and individuals – that offers multiple benefits – less traffic, better health, cost savings, etc.

The full article can be found at http://thegovmonitor.com/world_news/europe/cycling-to-work-pays-off-in-the-end-in-britain-12820.html, with an excerpt below.

(Excerpt)

Cycling To Work Pays Off In The End In Britain

Source: Source: Department for Transport Posted on: 28th October 2009

More than 70 major public and private sector employers are today pledging to implement a new “cycle to work” guarantee in a bid to transform the numbers cycling to work.

By signing up to the new ‘Cycle to Work Guarantee’, public and private sector employers are committing to provide their staff with safe bike storage, changing facilities and access to the Government’s generous tax break scheme – ‘Cycle to Work’ – for new bikes and cycling equipment. Evidence from employers already providing such support for their staff shows that it dramatically increases the proportion who cycle to work.

The Cycle to Work Guarantee is being promoted by Government and employers together to offer employees a healthy and green option to get to and from work. Typically, a third or more of staff of large urban employers live within half an hour bike ride of their place of work, but only about 3 per cent currently cycle to work.

Most central Government Departments have signed up as well as major companies including BSkyB, EON and GSK. Dozens of local authorities and hospitals have also agreed to commit to the Guarantee, which is aimed at large employers. Other large employers will now be invited to follow suit.

Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis said:

“If proper facilities were more widely available, I believe far more people would cycle to work. At present only 3 per cent do so. We could double or treble that figure with proper bike storage and changing facilities and safe cycle routes – and that’s my aim.”

“For employees, cycling is a great way to save money while getting fit. And for all of us, it will cut rush hour congestion and reduce carbon emissions.

“We’ve seen that this approach can work. The number of GlaxoSmithKline employees cycling to work has tripled since they introduced the right facilities at their headquarters. I see no reason why the Cycle to Work Guarantee can’t spread this success widely.”

Employers who sign up to the Guarantee commit to provide the following:

•  Secure, safe, and accessible bike parking facilities for all staff who want them

•  Good quality changing and locker facilities for all staff who want them

•  Offsetting the cost of cycling equipment for staff and saving on tax through the ‘Cycle to Work scheme’

•  Bike repair for cyclists on or near site

•  Training, reward and incentive programmes to achieve targets for more cycling

Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham said:

“Getting on your bike for the journey to work is a great way to get fit and healthy.

“But we can’t expect people to cycle to work if they can’t have a shower or store their bike safely when they get there – that’s why we need a Cycle to Work Guarantee from employers. Lots of NHS organisations have already signed up and are helping their staff cycle their way to better health. I’m pleased they are leading by example and I hope it will become standard practice across the NHS.

(The article continues at http://thegovmonitor.com/world_news/europe/cycling-to-work-pays-off-in-the-end-in-britain-12820.html)