‘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. 

Encouraging a workforce to cycle can help tackle the business costs of congestion, reduces an organisation’s impact on the local and wider environment and even attracts some tax incentives. Current commuting patterns cost businesses time and money while company car parking spaces are in short supply and mileage costs are rising. Cycling is often faster than driving – particularly over short distances and when the roads are busy. It’s easier for cyclists to bypass traffic jams. Encouraging employees to cycle to work and for business can result in a happier, healthier, more productive workforce, too. 

In 2021, one of Belfast's most innovative and sustainable office developments, The Ewart, was awarded a Gold standard in Cycling UK’s Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation for Developments (CFE-UK). This recognition came as part of an LQ BID initiative designed to help businesses adopt more cycle-friendly practices. The Ewart now offers the largest cycling facilities coverage of any Grade A office building in Northern Ireland, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious commuting in the city. 

Over the next few weeks, several buildings, including The Ewart building will be reaccredited as a Cycle Friendly Building. To learn more about the accreditation, visit: cyclinguk.org/workplaces  

Eamon Butler MRICS, property and facilities management, at CBRE Northern Ireland said: 

“CBRE NI is delighted to be part of the Cycling UK buildings accreditation scheme. 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. 

“As a charity, Cycling UK is focused solely on promoting the benefits of cycling rather than pushing for an accreditation scheme that maximises income - but doesn't deliver the same tangible outcomes for the benefit of members, supporters and wider public.”

Katie Legg, commercial director at Cycling UK, said: 

“The launch of the 'Cycle Friendly Buildings' accreditation is an exciting step forward in our mission to make cycling an easier, safer, and more accessible option for all commuters. 

“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.”

ENDS 

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