Cycling charity launches accreditation programme for offices
Cycling charity Cycling UK has launched a new accreditation scheme for offices and other commercial buildings.
The Cycle Friendly Buildings initiative builds on the charity’s existing Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation, allowing commercial landlords to badge their buildings as committed to sustainability and wellbeing.
As well as bike storage and end-of-trip facilities, the accreditation also focuses on communications and incentives to promote cycling. Although Cycling UK noted that “a small number” of other organisations offer such accreditation, it said it is the only one to do so independently of making or selling its own cycling infrastructure.
Cycling charity Cycling UK has launched a new accreditation scheme for offices and other commercial buildings.
The Cycle Friendly Buildings initiative builds on the charity’s existing Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation, allowing commercial landlords to badge their buildings as committed to sustainability and wellbeing.
As well as bike storage and end-of-trip facilities, the accreditation also focuses on communications and incentives to promote cycling. Although Cycling UK noted that “a small number” of other organisations offer such accreditation, it said it is the only one to do so independently of making or selling its own cycling infrastructure.
For Sam Turney, who joined the charity from flexible office operator IWG earlier this year, landlords’ efforts to encourage workers in their building to cycle to and from work can be a crucial part of making a return to the office more attractive.
“Whether you’re a flexible space operator, a traditional landlord, an office fit-out firm, you want people back in the office,” Turney told EG. “Face-to-face time with colleagues, there is nothing that can replace that… But I don’t think that there’s enough of a discussion about how people get to their destination. The way people get there is such an important part of the conversation. and there are so many different ways that a person can use a bike to get to work.”
The best buildings should have direct access for cyclists, Turney said, as well as cycle storage, showers and lockers all in close proximity. The landlord and building manager should then be providing offerings such as bike maintenance sessions and promotional drives to encourage workers to consider cycling to the office.
Among the first buildings to receive the new accreditation will be MRP’s Ewart in Belfast, which has already been awarded a Gold standard in Cycling UK’s Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation for developments.
Eamon Butler, property and facilities management at CBRE Northern Ireland, said: “The Ewart building in Belfast is committed to promoting sustainable and active travel. The Cycling UK accreditation not only highlights our dedication to encouraging cycling within the workplace but also demonstrates a commitment to reducing environmental impact and fostering a healthier workforce.”
Katie Legg, commercial director at Cycling UK, said: “By recognising and supporting businesses that champion cycling, we’re not just promoting a healthier and more eco-friendly way to travel, but also empowering workplaces to reduce congestion, cut costs, and improve productivity. The incredible success we’ve seen in Northern Ireland is a testament to the growing demand for this kind of change, and we’re excited to see this momentum spread across the UK.”
Photo from Cycling UK
