The other day an email came in from a reader at a local company who was working with his admin department to develop benefits for bike commuters.
He figured since his company gave perks for using TriMet or carpooling, bicyclists shouldn’t be left out.
I forwarded his message to Michellle Poyourow at the BTA and she sent back a great list of ideas “off the top of her head” (wow).
I thought others might find the information helpful, so here’s the list…
Great bike parking
Indoors, in an underused closet or something. With racks you can lock to. Sure, some people will always keep it by their desk, but others would rather not.
A bike commuter’s benefit package
(File photo)
While the federal tax code does not allow this to be tax deductible (yet) (as a TriMet pass or parking spot are), companies can certainly give money to bike commuters to support their mode choice – either as a credit at a bike shop or just ordinary cash.
Vacation days
Chris King Precision Components, for example, in May and September rewards bike commuters who do a certain number of days with a certain number of vacation hours.
Treats. Donuts and coffee. Lunch. Whatever.
Also consider discounts on treats at any company vending or cafe facility.
Showers and lockers
These are huge for many people, but low on the list only because they require some capital and planning (here’s info on tax breaks related into investment car trip reduction measures). Some companies also make a deal with a nearby fitness club or gym to get shower-only memberships there.
Guaranteed ride home
Some people are very worried about getting a flat tire or having to pick up a sick kid at school. Having your workplace guarantee a ride home helps them get past that. If you want to know what workplaces do this and how they set the criteria etc, ask me.
Bike commuter’s corner
Have a place where you post bike maps and local bike shops other info for commuters. A sign up for “bike buddies” can also go here so that people who are considering biking in can look and see who lives near them that might be willing to ride with them the first time.
A bike commuting workshop
I did these last summer and can do them again, August 15th through September 30th. They’re funded by a Metro grant. Contact me to schedule it.
If your company needs ideas of benefits to offer bike commuters, or just wants to encourage more folks to ride, contact Michelle at michelle(at)btaforbikes(dot)org.
It’d be great to make this list even bigger and better, so please share your ideas and experiences at your workplace in the comments below.