Industry news: ‘Cycle Friendly Buildings’ launches to support affordable, sustainable, healthy commuting

Since 2019, Cycling UK has been accrediting organisations as the UK's sole auditor on behalf of The European Cyclist's Federation, through the Cycle Friendly Employer programme. By encouraging commuters to cycle, businesses have not only become more sustainable, but also see improved employee health, higher productivity and lower absenteeism. This success has been especially pronounced in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where 14,000 people currently work for a cycling accredited organisation.

 

The charity has built on the programme's success to develop 'Cycle Friendly Buildings'. The scheme has been warmly welcomed with sustainability consultants and landlords signing up in droves. Successful nominees can access bespoke, ongoing support from Cycling UK and are invited to join the charity’s prestigious network of cycle friendly employers. While there are a small number of other organisations that provide a similar service, Cycling UK is the only one that does not manufacture, design or install cycling infrastructure; meaning the accreditation remains independent. 

 

While facilities such as safe, secure bike storage and showers are essential, this accreditation goes further to provide guidance, advice, support, communications and incentives to get people cycling. Advice and consultancy is based on extensive behaviour change and grassroots engagement with communities to encourage more people to cycle and reduce emissions.

 

The popularity of the programme illustrates the desire communities have to get around by bike more, despite infrastructure investment in Northern Ireland lagging behind. The charity aims to develop this momentum across all nation states, to open up cycling as an accessible, safe and easy way to get to work.