Cycle to Work Day 1st August 2024
What is Cycle To Work Day?
Cycle to Work Day takes place this year on the 1st August.
Celebrated annually, this day encourages people to ditch their cars and embrace cycling as a fun, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to commute. It’s an opportunity to promote the benefits of cycling, including improved physical fitness, reduced traffic congestion, and decreased environmental impact.
Who is Cycle to Work Day aimed at?
Everyone! Cycle to Work Day was established to inspire people to incorporate cycling into their daily routines. Whether a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this day is all about getting on your bike and enjoying the ride to work. The event highlights the importance of active travel and aims to create a more sustainable commuting culture.
How to get motivated with Sustrans.
Our goal is to make cycling accessible and enjoyable for everyone, while also raising awareness about the infrastructure and policy changes needed to support cyclists.
Too far to cycle to work? You can still get involved; unearth your bicycle at home. Sign up for free training with Sustrans; adult beginners, adult refreshers, bike maintenance or try or borrow an e-bike. Go for a spin round the block or to the local park/shop. Get the whole family involved and enjoy August more on two wheels.
Follow @Sustrans & @SustransNI on Facebook/Instagram/X for all the latest.
What your workplace can do
To bring the excitement of Cycle to Work Day to your staff bulletin’s/social media, here are some content ideas:
- Promote your partnership with Sustrans NI & the Leading the Way (Belfast) programme.
- Promote Leading the Way programme activities (see below)
- Share the history and significance of Cycle to Work Day.
- Post a poll asking staff about their commuting habits and if they cycle to work.
- Promote sign up & use of Belfast Bikes
- Promote your organisations CycleScheme/Voucher schemes
- Promote Cycle Friendly Employers Accreditation achievements
- Create a photo contest encouraging followers to share pictures of their cycling commute (Sustrans can offer prizes)
- Highlight key benefits of cycling for health and the environment.
- Share tips on how to start commuting by bike.
- Share photos/maps of staff cycle parking areas
- Post videos of cyclists sharing their commuting experiences and tips.
- Share information, as an employer how they are working towards traffic reduction and environmental sustainability.
- Highlight personal stories and testimonials from people who cycle to work regularly.
- Post this video on how to maintain your bike and ensure a safe ride.
What’s on:
All Belfast sessions are FREE
- One to one Adult Beginners Friday 26th July
- One to one Get back on your Bike – adult refreshers Friday 26th July
- Basic Bike Maintenance workshop Thursday 25th July
- Basic Bike Maintenance workshop Tuesday 13th August
To arrange a Try an e-bike session, 2-week bicycle loan or attend accredited commuter cycle training contact Dianne Whyte, Sustrans on 07812 470791.
Hashtags to consider
#LeadingtheWayBelfast #CycleToWork2024 #CycleToWorkDay #BikeCommute #CyclingBenefits #ActiveTravel #CycleBelfast #SustainableCommute #BikeToWork #HealthyCommute #CyclingCommunity #EcoFriendlyCommute #CycleToWork #CyclingLife #BikeSafety #BikeChallenge #CycleEveryday #CyclingHealth #BikeFriendly #CyclingTips #CommutingByBike #CycleCulture #CyclingEvents #CyclingAdvocacy #CycleToWorkInitiative #BikeRiding #CyclingPromotion #BikeLove #GreenCommute #CycleAdvocate #BikeJourney #RideToWork
Get in touch:
Dianne Whyte, Sustrans Active Travel Officer, Leading the Way Belfast programme
Tel: 07812 470791 dianne.whyte@sustrans.org.uk
Read some personal stories of staff who cycle to work and how much they enjoy it
On Thursday 1st August, it’s Cycle to Work Day so why not leave your car at home and try a different commute into work. Cycling is great for your health and wellbeing as well as for the environment.
Many Belfast Trust staff cycle to work regularly, have a read at their stories and hopefully you will be inspired to give cycling a go!
‘I work in Belfast City Hospital Pharmacy and my cycling to work journey has been ongoing, I cycled to work on good days in the summer for many years, but during the pandemic I started cycling every day and have done so since then. For me cycling to work every day has several benefits , mentally I find it a great way to wake up in the mornings and also to unwind from the days stress on the way home. Secondly it enables me to fit in physical activity without thinking about it. Cycling everyday also saves money, time and is better for the environment. I travel through the city centre and with the bus lanes and cycle lanes my journey time is less than driving. I find the mental benefits of cycling even in the rain to be of great benefit and try to encourage others in the department to take up cycling and recommend the free courses available from Sustrans to other staff to develop their cycling skills’.
Sharon’s story
‘I cycle to work as I find it a great alternative to the car, saving fuel and benefitting my health and wellbeing at the same time.
I recently started cycling to work during 2020 with a bike from the cycle to work scheme. From completing the journey from Whiteabbey to Musgrave Park Hospital of a 20 mile round trip, I enjoy getting fresh air and the scenery along the Belfast Lough. Its puts me in a better mood for the working day as I’m not stressed about being stuck in traffic and feel I have achieved something without adding too much time into my day. On average, it would take me about 40mins driving into work and for cycling in it only takes 45mins.
Since then I joined a cycling club in 2023 regularly going out with them to build my skills and confidence has enabled me to complete my longest ride yet of 93miles this year’.
Naomi’s story
‘I’ve lived within cycling distance of the City Hospital for years, but have always been in a rush so took the car. I was challenged by a colleague to take part in a charity cycle ride for a local cancer charity. To train for this, I began cycling into work. I soon realised that this was actually quicker than taking the car and I no longer had to pay for parking. It was daunting at first, but I always made sure I was safe on the road and very fluorescent! I also cycled through parks and got fresh air. The charity cycle itself was a blast. I had gone from not being able to cycle at all to being able to pedal for several hours. Cycling to work is now an enjoyable part of my routine and the petrol in the car now lasts a lot longer between refills. Would definitely recommend’.
David’s story
‘I started cycling to work in the summer of 2021. I had bought a bike through the cycle to work scheme, which is fantastic, and mulled over the idea of cycling rather than travelling to the Royal by car each day. It took me a few months to get round to starting. I was a bit dubious about cycling the 6 miles through the roads of Belfast, through the City Centre and up the Grosvenor Road. The cycle lanes are non-existent or completely inadequate. When I heard there were showers available to all staff in several sites in the Royal (and on other Trust sites) I thought I’d give it a go.
It turned out to be no problem cycling on the roads as I am in bus lanes for the majority of it and buses are not bothered about being behind you. There is a certain joy to be found in keeping ahead of the bus. It takes me the same time as travelling by car and I get two bursts of exercise each day I cycle. I no longer have to plan to fit the gym or other exercise into my week. It is also a great way to unwind after a busy day. I would urge anyone who is thinking about it to give it a go’.
Colin’s story
Cycling benefits:
As cycling provides cardiovascular/aerobic exercise. It can:
- Help achieve and maintain a healthy body weight by using up excess calories
- Help maintain, or even reduce, blood pressure
- Help limit cardiovascular disease & cancer
- Reduce stress and promote healthy sleeping patterns
- Improve overall fitness and wellbeing
With the Cycle Voucher Scheme, Borrow a Bike Scheme & Belfast Bikes located at key sites, along with a new Cycling Hub at Elliot Dynes basement area which includes – secure cycle parking, showers, change area and locker facilities.
There’s never been a better time to Cycle to Work.
For further information visit the Cycle it (sharepoint.com) page on The Loop or Cycle to Work | bWell Belfast