Cyclescheme takes gold as accredited Cycle Friendly Employer
Cyclescheme, part of market-leading rewards and incentives provider Blackhawk Network, today received international recognition by being awarded the gold accreditation as a Cycle Friendly Employer.
The Cycle Friendly Employer Scheme (CFE-UK) is about helping more people cycle to work. Organisations can achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation within the scheme.
The CFE-UK scheme is the only international standard for workplace cycling and recognises how commuting by bike has many proven benefits for both employees and their employers. In the UK, national charity, Cycling UK is the provider of the scheme.
To achieve the gold accreditation, the Bath based provider for the UK’s Cycle to Work Scheme, Cyclescheme has shown it’s an exemplary employer when it comes to providing for its cycling staff’s needs. From showers to individual lockers, private parking to a washing machine and tumbler, Cyclescheme has gone the extra mile.
This wasn’t lost on Cyclescheme’s Product Support Specialist Lucy Anderson-Roberts, a cycling convert since she joined the company six years ago.
“Before joining the company, like many people I know, I was put off by the perceived drawbacks of cycling, like the cold weather and the practicalities of showering and changing at the office,” she said. “Cyclescheme has made getting on a bike a simple and desirable option for me, and their approach is accessible to all, with resources and advice to support any experience level.
“They hand out quarterly rewards for engagement and activity which recognise individuals for their cycling milestones, this really keeps me motivated. I have to say that I am now a riding convert.’
For Laurence Boon, Product Manager at Cyclescheme, putting staff welfare first was just as important as being a shining example of what a cycle friendly employer looks like:
“We are extremely privileged to receive the 'Gold' Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation – we’re so proud that many colleagues who did not cycle prior to joining us are now avid enthusiasts.
“It’s a great honour to not only to deliver the UK's most impactful cycle to work scheme to our clients throughout the UK but also to practice what we preach with our colleagues. Being recognised for spreading the word about the physical, mental and environmental benefits of cycling to work is a real highlight for Cyclescheme. Cycling isn’t just what we do as a business; it’s who we are, and we adopt this approach for all our reward and incentive products in the Blackhawk Network business.”
James Palser, Cycling UK’s CFE Project Manager, said:
“I’m thrilled to award Cyclescheme the gold accreditation for the Cycle Friendly Employer scheme. It’s absolutely fantastic seeing a company that is enabling so many thousands of people across the UK to commute to work by bike doing the same for its employees.
“In taking this approach, Cyclescheme really are acting as an example for other businesses and organisations throughout the UK.”Cyclescheme really are acting as an example for other businesses and organisations throughout the UK.”
Notes to editors
- Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do. Over a century’s experience tells us that cycling is more than useful transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone. www.cyclinguk.org
- For more information about the Cycle Friendly Employer Accreditation scheme visit: https://www.cyclinguk.org/cyclefriendlyemployer
- Cycling to work is linked with a 45% lower risk of developing cancer, and a 46% lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), compared to commuting by car or public transport. https://www.cyclinguk.org/campaigning/views-and-briefings/health-and-cycling
- Regular cycling cuts the risk of premature death from any cause by 41%, the incidence of cancer by 45% and heart disease by 46% - compared to a non-active commute (British Medical Journal – April 2017)
About Cyclescheme
Cyclescheme is an employee benefit that saves you 25-39% on a bike and accessories. You pay nothing upfront and the payments are taken tax efficiently from your salary by your employer. You choose a bike, hire it for an agreed length of time, then snap it up for a fraction of its original value. It's like a year-round sale, with interest free credit available in over 2,000 retailers nationwide.
Find out more at https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/
Cyclescheme is part of Blackhawk Network who connect brands and people through innovative incentives, engagement and commerce solutions. Combining the best branded value products with cutting edge technology, platforms and services to create exciting, engagement solutions that maximise sales, productivity and loyalty. Our integrated worldwide network enables you to connect with employees, sales channels and customers in-store, online, through mobile and social networks.
Press contact information
For more information contact the national Cycling UK Press Office on 01483 238 315, 07786 320 713 or email [email protected]
