TradeMe is an online trading platform. Their Wellington office is a prime example of how a workplace encourages its people on bikes.
Nigel reports that the last seven years has seen a higher level of egalitarianism than many other organisations, noting that the CEO gave up his parking space for bicycle parking about five years ago.
We have 550 people, and nobody has a designated car parking space.
Between 5-15% of staff cycle regularly, with groups cycling together regularly.
We’ve got three or four different cycling groups at all levels, complete with half priced branded cycling jerseys. Our flexible working arrangements mean they can head out on a ride together when it suits.
Nigel highlights how a few keen individuals can have a contagious level of enthusiasm.
When groups form, whether it’s just two or six people coming back from a ride, the energy and talk is contagious and is encouraging for other people contemplating taking up cycling. (…) The movement snowballs.
The more formal groups have been going for about 6 or 7 years, sometimes organised on Slack (communication platform), and sometimes informally between individuals.
CloseCycling increases staff bonds. For example, you'll see a number of keen mountain bikers team up and ride on the weekend, or all ride together over a favourite trail on the way to work. The whole process is a great mechanism for staff to get closer and get to know each other better which enhances their ability to work together at work.
For those that live in the eastern suburbs of Wellington we have one set of trails we call the best commute in the world. It’s a two hour ride to work which see's us climbing up to 400 metres in elevation followed by a 40 minute fast single track ride into work. We'll sometimes grab a quick cafe breakfast before getting to work (there goes that cycling saving for the week).
CloseFinancial
If you ride a bike and hence avoid transport and parking costs, drink the great coffee at work and bring your own lunch then you’re probably saving circa $8000 per annum in gross salary (…) That would pay for a great family holiday.
Productivity
The well documented metabolic lift you can get by twice a day exercise is often talked about. The benefit is huge as your able to maintain high energy levels throughout the day. An example of this is the Trade Me Property Commercial Manager who took up cycle commuting 12 months ago. It took him three months to form the habit and get over the fact that you need to cycle all days no matter what the weather is doing but once the habit is formed, you good for life. He's noticed more money in his wallet and a definite increase in energy levels.
CloseEverybody has their own locker for clothes, and we have a drying room in Wellington for wet kit. We’ve got good showers and fresh towels (…) We’ve got fruit on the table and coffee.
CloseI’ve really noticed my energy levels have increased, to the extent that I could never go back.
Wellington weather isn't always cycle friendly but through following Nigel’s lead I've formed the cycle commuting habit and am now an everyday commuter no matter what mother nature throws at me.
As was predicted, I've really noticed my energy levels have increased, to the extent that I could never go back. I commute on a road bike and am now looking to add a mountain bike to my stable. Those savings I make through cycle commuting are probably already spoken for.
Motivation: Office culture (healthy, high energy)
The storyteller: Nigel Jeffries, Head of TradeMe Property and keen cyclist
Social cycling groups: 3-4
Estimated savings opportunity for a healthy cyclist: $8000
Theme: Staff wellbeing, cost savings
