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Cycling UK has launched ‘Cycle Friendly Buildings’ (CFB), a new scheme that builds on the success of the Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation (CFE).
Working with commercial landlords, this accreditation highlights office buildings that are committed to sustainability and well-being.
By encouraging commuters to cycle, businesses have not only become more sustainable but also see improved employee health, higher productivity and lower absenteeism.
This success has been especially pronounced in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where 14,000 people currently work for a cycling-accredited organisation.
A long-term vision for cycling as active travel
Since 2019, Cycling UK has been accrediting organisations as the UK’s sole auditor on behalf of The European Cyclist’s Federation, through the Cycle Friendly Employer programme.
The charity has built on the programme’s success to develop ‘Cycle Friendly Buildings’, with the scheme warmly welcomed by sustainability consultants and landlords.
Successful nominees can access bespoke, ongoing support from Cycling UK and are invited to join the charity’s network of cycle-friendly employers.
Independent accreditation
While there are a small number of other organisations that provide a similar service, Cycling UK is the only one that does not manufacture, design or install cycling infrastructure; meaning the accreditation remains independent.
- Where facilities such as safe, secure bike storage and showers are essential, Cycling UK accreditation goes further, to provide guidance, advice, support, communications and incentives to get people cycling.
- Advice and consultancy is based on extensive behaviour change and grassroots engagement with communities to encourage more people to cycle and reduce emissions.
“As a charity, Cycling UK is focused solely on promoting the benefits of cycling rather than pushing for an accreditation scheme that maximises income – but doesn’t deliver the same tangible outcomes for the benefit of members, supporters and wider public,” comments Eamon Butler MRICS, property and facilities management, at CBRE Northern Ireland.
Cycling and active travel in Northern Ireland
The popularity of the programme illustrates the desire communities have to get around by bike more, despite infrastructure investment in Northern Ireland lagging behind. The charity aims to develop this momentum across all nation-states, to open up cycling as an accessible, safe and easy way to get to work.
Butler states: “The Cycling UK accreditation not only highlights our dedication to encouraging cycling within the workplace but also demonstrates a commitment to reducing environmental impact and fostering a healthier workforce – CBRE NI is delighted to be part of the Cycling UK buildings accreditation scheme. ”
Big picture thinking
Encouraging a workforce to cycle can help tackle the business costs of congestion, reduces an organisation’s impact on the local and wider environment and even attracts some tax incentives.
Current commuting patterns cost businesses time and money while company car parking spaces are in short supply and mileage costs are rising.
Cycling is often faster than driving – particularly over short distances and when the roads are busy. It’s easier for cyclists to bypass traffic jams. Encouraging employees to cycle to work and for business can result in a happier, healthier, more productive workforce, too.
Katie Legg, commercial director at Cycling UK, said: “The launch of the ‘Cycle Friendly Buildings’ accreditation is an exciting step forward in our mission to make cycling an easier, safer, and more accessible option for all commuters.
“By recognising and supporting businesses that champion cycling, we’re not just promoting a healthier and more eco-friendly way to travel, but also empowering workplaces to reduce congestion, cut costs, and improve productivity.
“The incredible success we’ve seen in Northern Ireland is a testament to the growing demand for this kind of change, and we’re excited to see this momentum spread across the UK.”
