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Keep A Bicycle At Work

Last week I introduced a “new” idea called Keep A Bicycle At Work. Or, rather, not so much new as it is a just name for something that I suspect might help more people throw bicycles into the transportation mix.

This idea is related to the 1-mile Solution. Basically, there are some people who cannot commute by bicycle. But some of these folks might be able to keep a bicycle at work to use for short trips around town. A teacher might ride to the administration building. A reporter might ride to an  interview. An insurance salesman might ride to a client’s house or office. Riding to lunch might become a fashionable thing to do when the weather is nice.

Just a few short trips per month would begin to pay nice benefits. I’m thinking an employer that pays mileage might really appreciate an employee’s choosing to ride a bicycle now and then.

Now it’s time to consider a few practical matters:

  1. What kind of bicycles lend themselves to this use?
  2. Where/how should bicycles be stored at a place of business?
  3. Could employers be convinced to provide minimal accommodations?
  4. Could employers be encouraged to provide bicycles?
  5. What can the city do to encourage business riders?
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Comments 5

  1. Keri wrote:

    PM keeps this cute thing under his desk.

    The Woodbridge Winery keeps bicycles for employees to use on campus.

    Posted 19 Apr 2010 at 2:38 pm
  2. James wrote:

    I used to bike to work for a property management company. I would then bike to the bank to deposit tenants’ rent checks. I would fill out a mileage report and submit for reimbursement like any car driver. I enjoyed the irony of my bike earning 40 cents a mile while costing me far less than a upkeep on a car. I just never charged for parking because it was always free!

    Posted 19 Apr 2010 at 7:15 pm
  3. Jason C wrote:

    I like this idea. It seems like single speeds and internally geared bikes make the most sense because of their relatively low maintenance requirements. Also, if there is a chance of multiple riders using the same bike a seat post should be easily adjustable.

    As for questions 3, 4 and 5, there could be some small tax incentive for such a move. Compliant businesses could be touted as being “bike friendly”. Sure, the endorsement would be lost on a lot of people but to some it would matter and for that reason businesses might go for it.

    Posted 21 Apr 2010 at 12:37 pm
  4. Kevin Love wrote:

    The City of Toronto acquired a fleet of Batavus bicycles for its employees to use. For details, see:

    http://www.curbside.on.ca/blog/?p=592

    Posted 21 Apr 2010 at 5:02 pm
  5. Andy Cline wrote:

    Jason and Kevin… good ideas. I’ll be working up another post on this soon.

    Posted 22 Apr 2010 at 10:36 am