More staff cycling is good for business, said a Grimsby-based company who has invested in interest free loans for staff to buy their own bikes, and a bespoke new cycle storage facility at their office with the support of North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner, ENGIE.
On Friday 10 September, between 8:30am and 11:30am, Pattesons Glass will be hosting a morning of activities to help encourage more companies on the South Humberside Industrial Estate to encourage staff to cycle, as part of the NE Lincs Love to Ride Cycle September promotion, supported by North East Lincolnshire Council and ENGIE.
Cycle Hub Lincs CIC will be on site at the Pattesons office at Estate Road 8 offering a free Dr Bike cycle check service, along with folding and various commuting bikes to try out, and even a short ‘you can fix it’ session to help new cyclists learn how to keep their bikes moving. The event is open for any local companies available to attend.
Cycle September is a month-long competition from the Love to Ride cycling promotion agency, who work with the council to get more people riding bikes, with last year over 50,000 people taking part in Cycle September across the UK, including over 6,000 people new to cycling.
The scheme generates gentle competition between companies on a cycling leaderboard, where points and prizes can be won over September by logging cycling miles and encouraging colleagues to have a go at cycling.
“Our employees were wanting to cycle to work, for fitness and for convenience, since the journey to our site for some staff is often quicker and simpler by bike,” said Mark Schofield, Operations Director at Pattesons Glass.
“More staff travelling by bike on the estate is good for everyone, so I’d encourage other local businesses to help staff who want to ride to work.” Walking or using public transport is often too time consuming, he added, while an over reliance on car commuting can sometimes lead to estate roads becoming hard to negotiate for delivery lorries due to parked cars.
“We hope we’ve helped by reducing car trips, and we’d encourage other businesses to play their part too, as fewer cars will make the environment on the estate better for everyone.”
Six Pattesons Glass staff have taken up the bike purchase scheme, which offered interest free loans of up to £500 for bikes and accessories, and the new bike shelter was built by local company Lock-it and purchased with the help of North East Lincolnshire Council and ENGIE.
“I appreciate the company helping me financially, without it, I would still be walking or relying on a family member to give me a lift. I’m also a lot fitter already, and cycling here sets me up for the day,” said Pattesons employee Ashley Brown.
“I’m saving money on petrol costs, which is a big plus for me,” said Alex Ogelsby
“It gives my heart a boost ! I feel more motivated in the morning now,” added Tim Elliott
After signing Pattesons Glass up for the free Love to Ride Cycle September promotion, Mark encourages other companies to sign up too.
Prizes are on offer throughout the month, and companies and individuals can join Cycle September at: https://www.lovetoride.net/nelincs
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