National Bike to Work Week is May 15–19 this year, and it’s an incredible opportunity to build company morale, underscore wellness, promote environmental responsibility – and build your employer brand! Cities typically choose a day within the week as Bike to Work Day. With participation throughout the country, the pedal-promoting week has grown in popularity over the past decade – but it originated back in 1955 by the League of American Bicyclists. Back then, it was a single day that was promoted by word of mouth and perhaps a print ad in the local newspaper. Today, National Bike to Work Day is a well-oiled...gear crank, and there are many ways to leverage free resources – social hashtag, poster downloads and maps – to turn the day into a win for your employees and your company.
Here’s a list to get your wheels – and those of everyone at your company – turning:
1. Get the word out!
Promote your company’s event with free posters, web banners, social media resources and more. You can also add your event to the League of American Bicyclists’ official Bike to Work Day event registry. Start spreading the details of your company’s ride on social media with #BikeToWorkDay.
2. Create safety in numbers.
If you have people within your company riding from different neighborhoods around town, designate a few meeting points and start times, then map out safe routes where riders can commute together. Make sure your people are versed in current bike laws in your area. Send a company-wide email with all these details, plus what to wear...
3. Build company morale.
Have riders wear company T-Shirts so you’re highly visible for safety, of course, but also to build both company morale and brand awareness. Encourage stickers on helmets, tassels on handlebars, and even a branded paddy wagon escort if you have one.
[Related: 5 Unique Ways to Boost Employee Morale]
4. Think through the logistics.
Designate a spot for storing bikes, and have someone in facilities or at the front desk manage bike valet. Consider having water and fresh fruit available at check-in. Make sure employees know it’s okay to wear casual clothing on the day of the ride, or provide them a place to shower and change if possible.
5. Underscore wellness.
Take this opportunity to talk about employee wellness or even kick off a company-wide health challenge. After all, Bike to Work Day is endorsed by the American Medical Association as part of its push to encourage active transportation. It’s also a great time to sign on to the Pledge to Thrive to show your company is taking steps to prioritize well-being in the workplace. It lets your employees know you prioritize their well-being and understand the connection between thriving employees and a thriving business.
Related: 10 Quick Ways Employers Can Promote Workplace Wellness
6. Promote environmental responsibility.
Statistics show that when employees feel good about something, they’re more engaged and effective. If every person living this close to their workplace ditched their cars on Bike to Work Day alone, more than 60,000 vehicles would be off the road, reducing tailpipe emissions by more than 150,000 pounds.
[Related: 5 Earth-Friendly Stats: Telecommuting, Digital Nomads, Remote Workers]
7. Make a day of it!
Snap fun pics of colleagues decked out in their bike gear, and share early and often on social media. Use #BikeToWorkDay to post on social media. And, of course, upload pics to your Employer Profile on Glassdoor!
