Commuting Resources for Employers

Bicycle Commuting: A Low Risk and High Return Investment

Commuting by bicycle has never been more popular or more pragmatic.

Recent studies have shown that employees who bicycle commute are a better value: they are ill less than the average worker and make 14% fewer claims on their health insurance. Bike commuters tend to be more fit, thus reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke by 50%. Bike commuting can also boost workplace morale, as employees arrive with a sense of accomplishment and energy.

Infrastructure costs also make a strong argument for getting employees on bikes. Compared to nearly $30,000 in lifecycle costs for an individual underground parking stall, bicycle parking costs around $300 for several bicycles. Further, minor shifts in investments can provide showers andlockers for bicycle commuters.

Bike commuting is also good for the bottom line. Not only can employers provide pre-tax benefits to your commuters, a portion of those benefits may be eligible for a B&O tax credit.

In short, bicycling is a smart business strategy. We welcome the opportunity to work with you in planning your bicycle facilities and incentivizing your employees.

Host a Commuter Class

Our classes will provide your employees the information, skills, and confidence to enjoy a safe bicycle commute. All Cascade Bicycle Club classes include:

  • Customizable content (audience, emphasis, local context, scheduling parameters, etc)
  • Promotional materials (email blurbs, newsletter content, and/or flyers)
  • Student materials (handbook, local bike maps, and a patch kit)
  • Nationally licensed instructors who are also seasoned bicycle commuters.

Class Descriptions and Prices:

Intro to Bike Commuting: It’s How We Roll
This introductory class will provide new commuters with basics to start riding safely to work.

  • Choosing and adjusting a bicycle
  • The rules of the road
  • Riding safely and comfortably
  • Planning your bike route
  • Clothing, helmets, and gear

Lights, Action, Jacket: Intro to Winter Bike Commuting
This class provides essentials for riding safely and comfortable in dark and inclement weather.

  • Safety considerations and riding skills
  • How to select and maximize lights and reflectivity
  • Clothing combinations for rain and cold
  • Using transit to create a comfortable hybrid commute

Fix-a-Flat and Beyond: Basic Bike Maintenance
This hands-on class covers maintenance principles and techniques for safe and smooth riding.

  • Hands-on fix-a-flat
  • Brakes
  • Chains, Gears, and Shifting

Advanced Bike Commuting Series: Laws, Tools, Routes and Rules
This 4-part series will make expert commuters of your employees, including both classroom and on-the-bike exercises.

  • Advanced treatment of all topics covered in the Intro course
  • Basic maintenance
  • Bicycle handling and special maneuvers
  • On-road urban cycling techniques for riding in traffic

Class Prices:

One Hour Class ................................ $295
Two-Hour Class ................................ $395
Series of 2 One-Hour Classes ............. $495
Series of 4 Two-Hour Classes ............. $995

Contact us at commute@cascadebicycleclub.org to schedule a class or to talk to us about how to customize a class to your workplace.

New! Cascade Bicycle Club is offering 6 free Intro to Commute Classes to small businesses and non-profits in 2010.

Employee Events

Do you have an upcoming employee transportation, wellness, and/or safety fair? Bike commuting is a natural fit for such events. Cascade Bicycle Club’s trained Bicycle Ambassadors attend such events free of charge. Our Ambassadors are experienced bicyclists who can answer a broad range of general questions about bicycling. For more information, or to request a Bicycle Ambassador for your event, email cmpa@cascadebicycleclub.org.

Corporate Consulting Services

Does your business have infrastructure and resources to support a vibrant bicycle commuting program? We offer a variety of services tomeet your business needs. We work with several large employers in the Puget Sound region and provide services like:

  • Assessment tools to determine program needs and benchmark progress.
  • Planning and design of bicycling infrastructure.
  • Route planning.
  • A customized Green Bike Project for your office.
  • Best practices for supporting bicycle commuting
  • Customized database tracking and report generation for incentive programs, employee recognition and/or CTR reporting
  • Content and design for eNewsletters and tailored promotional materials

Bike Month: Challenge Your Employees!

Join us for the Bike to Work Breakfast on April 20, 2010. This great annual event is the regional Who’s Who among bike-friendly leaders. Join fellow business leaders, elected officials, and local leaders.

Encourage your employees to organize teams for the Group Health Commute Challenge throughout the month of May! Over 700 organizations were represented by teams of employees who challenge themselves, their coworkers, and competing teams to ride as much as possible in May. Learn more about promoting Bike Month at your organization

Celebrate Bike to Work Day on May 21, 2010. From hosting a free breakfast for bike commuters, to joining the rally at City Hall, to sponsorship, there are a variety of ways your business can participate.