Bike to Work Week

Last week, May 12-16, was National Bike to Work Week. As reported by blogger Fenris-Lorsrai, a number of companies offer incentives for employees to bike to work. Fenris-Lorsrai outlines the following programs:

• Google- Will donate $100 to the employees charity of choice for every 20 days they bike to work. Plus offers monthly bike repair classes and all their shuttles come with bike racks
• Vulcan Capital pays workers who commute by bike an extra $100 per month! They also pony up taxi fare for biking employees that were asked to stay after dark or in inclement weather.
• The Calvert Group offers employees $350 to buy themselves a bicycle. They also have a shower and changing facilities available.
• Discovery Communications gives employees $350 to buy a bike AND cover maintenance. They also pay for a car sharing service for days when employees need to travel farther than they can bike.
• New Belgium Brewing Company gives every employee a bike after a year of employment. They also have Prius loaner car for shared use at work.

The League of American Bicyclists offers a list of tips to encourage employers to incentivize bike riding.

Why does this count as social action? Admittedly, some bike for fun or exercise, but many bicyclists also note the benefits to the environment from replacing a car with a bicycle. See story here.