Fleet managers should promote cycling, says Brake

By Faye Sunderland 13 July 2012

Fleets are being urged to encourage more staff to take up cycling to work. The new Cycle for Life campaign, sponsored by specialist personal injury solicitors Bolt Burdon Kemp, includes new guidance for fleet managers and an essential one day seminar for fleet and road safety professionals on cycle to work schemes and cyclist safety. According to Brake, the benefits of cycling are clear, with cycling offering a reliable way to get into work on time. Research also shows that staff who cycle to work take less time off sick and are less likely to suffer from inactivity-related health problems. But, while cycling is a healthy activity, cyclists are vulnerable road users and need good advice to keep them safe on the roads. With 20 per cent of cyclist deaths involving a truck, this guidance aims to help companies adopt a best practice to manage this risk. The Fleet Safety Forum guidance, Cycle for life: safe and sustainable cycling by employees, provides advice on how to encourage employees to cycle to and at work and also advises companies on how to adapt their training and vehicles to protect cyclists and other vulnerable road users. It features best practice case studies on companies that have set up cycle to work schemes and showcases  latest developments in cycle-safe technology. At the seminar, taking place in London on Tuesday 17 July, leading practitioners will discuss how employers and local authorities can work together to encourage employees to cycle to work. Sophie Brown, business engagement project manager at Transport for London will discuss the Cycle to Work Guarantee, and talk about the ways in which companies can provide facilities to encourage staff to cycle to work. Ryan Bedford, cycling manager at BSkyB will provide a best practice case study of how BSkyB have revolutionised the way staff travel to work and incentivised cycling for staff. Delegates will also hear from Steve Edgell, chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance, who will share information on the Cycle to Work scheme and also on cyclist safety and route planning. Roz Cumming, Development Manager at Brake, said: “Cycling carries major benefits but also major risks for fleets. This campaign aims to equip managers and drivers to capitalise on the benefits of reduced stress, improved health, lower cost and environmental impact, whilst managing the risks presented to vulnerable road users like cyclists by all vehicles, particularly trucks. I urge all fleet managers to get their hands on this guidance and attend the seminar and to encourage more, and safer, cycling this summer.” The guidance document and the seminar form part of Brake and Bolt Burdon Kemp’s Cycle for Life campaign which calls for widespread 20mph limits in communities and for employers to promote cycling. Delegate places at the seminar cost £40 for Brake subscribers and £45 for non-subscribers. To book your place at the Cycle for Life seminar in London on 17 July.

Categories: Brake

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