How to use our Cycle Scheme, specifically for the Space2B Community
Quite simply, cycling has been proven to make employees happier, so for us, it makes perfect sense to provide a Space2B cycle scheme to create a happy, thriving and growing community.
Along with the obvious benefits of keeping fit, improving immune systems and building muscle – there are many other advantages to cycling that benefit both the employee and the employer.
That's why, in December 2017, we here at Space2B launched our Community Cycle Scheme to provide free Brompton Bikes for hire to all our tenants. Nearly 4 years later, our scheme is still going strong with tenants hiring bikes each week to get to and from our offices.
Keep reading to learn how to hire your own bike & see 6 great reasons to cycle...
Step 1: Fill in the cycle form at reception
Step 2: We'll run through the bicycle rules & sign your form - then you're good to go!
A few things to know:
Cycling promotes a healthy mind
Many studies have shown that making regular bicycle journeys can reduce stress, anxiety and improves happiness. Each year, millions of sick days are taken by employees for stress-related illness, so to have the option to go for a cycle during the working day or to cycle to and from work reduces work and personal-related stress, and in turn, brings sickness rates down in a company.
Cycling also releases adrenalin and endorphins that make us feel good but more than that it gives us an excuse to escape the rat race and switch off, even if it is just for an hour. Technology is an inescapable part of our lives, both at work and home, so encouraging employees to get away from the computer can make them more productive and creative whilst they are in the office.
Cycling saves time and money
We all know the irritation of bumper to bumper traffic, increasing cost of petrol and expensive public transport fares. Rather than wasting hours of time sitting in traffic or standing in the freezing cold hoping that your bus will turn up on time - why not hire a bike, miss the rush-hour traffic, arrive on time with a clear head and have a sense of achievement ready for your working day?
Not only is cycling a great, low-impact form of exercise – It will save you time (meaning extra time in bed!) and money.
Cycling helps you sleep better
Of course, if you are exercising more, you are going to tire yourself out more. However, it has been recognised that cycling will improve your sleep pattern. As cycling has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, an increase in the ability to sleep may stem from feeling less stressed and anxious.
Over the span of 35 years, University of Georgia researchers analysed the health habits of more than 8,000 men and women between the ages of 20 and 85 and found that when study participants became less fit over time, they had more trouble getting an uninterrupted night of rest.
All we know is that you will be sleeping better with a bike ride a few times a week!
Cycling is the greenest mode of transport
As reported by the UN Environment Programme, 'In a five-year period, Dutch people avoided 1.41 million tonnes of CO2 each year through cycling. This saving is equivalent to 54.4 million trees being planted each year.'
It's a no-brainer - cycling emits no carbon emissions. Studies have found that cycling leads to decreased ozone concentrations and lower hospital admissions for asthma. While electric vehicles are a great option, nothing quite beats cycling when looking after our communities and environment.
Cycling boosts your brainpower
A 2013 study found that during exercise, cyclists’ blood flow in the brain rose by 28 percent, and up to 70 percent in specific areas. For a workspace provider to offer a freecycle scheme is a no-brainer (excuse the pun) if it means employees are going to be reinvigorated and stimulated in the office.
Cycling outdoors in natural surroundings only amplifies these benefits. Cycling into Cardiff City Centre or Cardiff Bay to soak up the beautiful Welsh atmosphere during the working day, gets those red blood cells flowing thereby increasing motivation in the workplace.
Cycling increases your social circle
Cycling is a great exercise to enjoy with colleagues, friends or on your own. Introducing the option of hiring a bicycle encourages teams and businesses to get together outside of the office. Taking your team out on Friday afternoon to enjoy the sights of Cardiff isn’t just a great excuse to escape the office but it also encourages teamwork, team bonding and collaboration over a social and enjoyable pastime.
So next time, instead of heading to the pub for your team networking – why not jump on a bicycle and head outdoors?
Don’t take our word for it - all tenants in our Space2B Community can grab a bike, put on a helmet and go for a spin around Cardiff to put these to the test!
