Let’s face it—most of us could use a little extra motivation to leave the car at home and hop on a bike for our daily commute. The idea sounds great: it’s healthier, greener, and often quicker in traffic-heavy cities. But how do you encourage your employees to ditch their cars for two wheels? It’s not just about having bike racks; you need to create a cycling-friendly culture, starting with the right infrastructure and incentives.

Here are six creative ways to inspire your team to cycle to work, with a special focus on space-saving, innovative two-tier bike racks that make cycling more accessible for everyone.

Make Space with Two-Tier Bike Racks

One of the biggest hurdles to encouraging cycling is the lack of secure, convenient parking. Two-tier bike racks are a game-changer, doubling your storage capacity by stacking bikes vertically. These racks are perfect for workplaces with limited space—they make it easy for cyclists to park and retrieve their bikes while keeping the area neat and organised.

Besides, models like ours which include a clever gas-strut are ideal for all cyclists. They are easy to use at the bottom level as they are really straightforward – you wheel in and you lock. But what’s more – their top level is effortless to use, too, you simply need to pull a bit on the gas strut to have it come down to you. You wheel in, lock and push the tier up lightly – the gas strut will do the rest of the work.

If you haven’t installed them yet, consider this step your first move toward a cycling-friendly workplace. Combined with proper lighting, CCTV cameras, and covered shelters, these racks provide a safe and welcoming space for employees to store their bikes.

Start a “Bike Buddy” System

Let’s say you’ve got the bike racks installed, but some employees are still hesitant to cycle. Often, the fear of busy roads or simply not knowing the best routes holds people back. A bike buddy system can make a huge difference. Organise a way to pair experienced cyclists with newbies so they can ride together, offering guidance, support, and confidence.

This system not only makes the transition to cycling less intimidating but also helps employees feel part of a supportive community. Plus, this is a great, be it slightly cover way, to do excellent team-building.

Host Cycling Workshops

Many employees might love the idea of cycling but feel unprepared—what if they get a flat tyre? What’s the safest route? What are the rules of the road? Hosting workshops to cover these basics can take away the mystery and fear.

Think practical sessions along the lines of:

• – How to perform basic bike maintenance
• – Tips for planning a safe and efficient route
• – Understanding local cycling laws and safety guidelines

Knowledge is power, and these workshops will empower employees to take the leap into cycling. They also shouldn’t be too hard to organise. You can look into local bike or bike repair shops which would be willing to send an enthusiastic employee to give a short talk in exchange for the free advertisement to a captive audience. Or you might not even have to look further than your own company – you might already have seasoned cyclists who are happy to share useful knowledge to get other to join in!

Add Incentives and Rewards

Who doesn’t love a little extra motivation? Offering perks for regular cyclists can encourage more people to take part. You can think along the lines of things like subsidised bike purchases or repairs, vouchers for cycling gear or even something like a company points-based system where employees earn rewards for each ride to work (like extra holiday time or gift cards).

This could also tie into a larger company wellness program, highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of cycling. The possibilities here are endless and you can let your imagination run wild.

Organise Fun Events and Challenges

Make cycling fun with friendly competitions and group rides. Hosting a “Cycle-to-Work Week” or a workplace cycling challenge can inspire people to give it a try. Whether it’s a team-based mileage contest or a company-wide bike-to-work day, the emphasis on fun and camaraderie can turn commuting into a team-building exercise.

You could also consider joining local cycling events or partnering with nearby businesses to create a community-wide cycling initiative. Or while not go cross company and challenge another local business into a competition!

Set Up a Bike-Sharing Program

This one may be last but shouldn’t be underestimated. Not everyone owns a bike or wants to own one. They might not want to invest in one until they’re sure about cycling, or it might be a huge issue to park it somewhere safe at home. A bike-sharing program can bridge this gap. Whether you partner with a local bike-share provider or set up a small fleet for your company, giving employees easy access to bikes can remove a significant barrier.

Even better, bikes from a shared pool can be used for quick errands during the day, like heading out for lunch or meetings nearby. This exposure might encourage employees to eventually invest in their own bike for commuting.

Create End-of-Trip Facilities

Lastly, we include this one as a bonus and we will only briefly mention because if we are fair it deserves a blog article on its own. Cycling isn’t always a clean and tidy affair—especially on rainy days! One of the best ways to show your employees you’re serious about supporting them by providing showers, changing rooms, and lockers. These facilities make it easy for cyclists to freshen up before work and store their gear securely.

Getting more employees to cycle isn’t just good for them—it’s great for the company and the environment too. Employees who bike to work tend to be healthier, take fewer sick days, and arrive more energised. Plus, promoting cycling aligns with sustainability goals and reduces your company’s carbon footprint.

By implementing these strategies and investing in practical solutions like two-tier bike racks, you’ll create a workplace culture that values health, sustainability, and community. So, what are you waiting for? Start pedalling toward a greener, happier workplace!