Bicycle Friendly Business-Sustainable Employers

According to the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, San Francisco has seen a 43% increase in bicycle ridership since 2006 and 6% of all in-city trips are now made on a bicycle. And according to Transportation Alternatives, bicycling is the fastest growing mode of transportation in New York City with an increase of 35% from 2007 to 2008. No matter where you look, bike commuting is on the rise.
With this growing interest in bike commuting, more and more employers are offering incentives to those who give up the car and ride their bike to work. Yahoo, for example, provides company-owned loaner bikes, lockers, showers, onsite bicycle care, and free tune-ups to all of their employees. Discovery Communications (parent to the Discovery Channel) reimburses employees up to $350 toward the purchase of a new bicycle, while also providing secure bike parking.
The League of American Bicyclists has added a “Bicycle Friendly Business” program to accompany their more well-known “Bicycle Friendly Community” program. (You can view the full list of Bicycle Friendly Businesses by clicking here.) Following is an overview of how award recipients are chosen:
What is a Bicycle Friendly Business?A Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) is a corporation, organization, association, or nonprofit that actively promotes bicycling for transportation, recreation, exercise, and sport. A BFB practices social responsibility by weaving bicycling into the business culture and gives employees the opportunity to be active stewards of their personal and environmental health through bicycling.
The Bicycle Friendly Business program evaluates applicants’ efforts to promote bicycling in four primary areas: encouragement, education, engineering, and evaluation. Examples of these measures include:
EngineeringSafe cycling access; bike racks for employees and guests; showers and lockers for commuters and lunchtime riders.
EducationBike-safety programs; mentorship for new commuters; and equipment tutorials.
EncouragementBenefits for bike commuters; paid mileage for trips made by bike; loaner bikes for errands and short trips; and earn-a-bike programs.
Evaluation: An assessment of what’s already being done and what to aim for in the future; in-house bike coordinators; and target ridership numbers. This is also the section to highlight your business’s unique programs and policies that promote and celebrate bicycling—from loaner bikes for short trips and in-house spin classes to supporting charity rides and sponsoring bike-racing teams.
What types of incentives does your employer offer bike commuters at your workplace? Do you have access to showers and secure bike parking? Are you offered reimbursements for purchasing bicycles and accessories? Do your company’s commuter benefits extend to include bicyclists? In general, do you feel as if your employer is doing enough or would you like to see more incentives and support? Let me know in the comment section below.

This is pulled from Eco Velo, a fantastic site definately oriented towards city commuting. This does not need to be the case. Let me know what you could do as an employer or what you would like to see your employer provide for you, here in Golden.