Commuting - How would you spend $5,000?

Hello fellow commuters
Our company was recently offered $5k to help encourage and advocate new bicycle commuters. Obviously, those of us who currently bike commute aren't really affected by this but we have chosen to come with ideas to spend this grant.
Some of the ideas currently floating around include facilty modifications
such as covered bike parking, better options for changing/showering, cash/gift certificates for commuters based on number of times you commute, (i.e. $10 for first time, $10 for each 5 times after that....just an example, not sure how we are going to dispurse this).
How would you use this grant money to help encourage new commuters? Based on a survey of our company, probably the biggest barrier is that 80% of the employees live over 12 miles from work. We are focusing on the 15% or so that live less than 5 miles away...it is the only realistic option right now.
Thanks for your input.

It wasn't really clear from the start that this is a company initiative. That is much different from a community or a municipal grant. I would say buy 5 or more bikes outfitted with basic accessories that people can use to commute on and put up a rack in a covered area to lock them up. Any worker can take them out for free (with some kind of deposit or signout system or whatnot).

Showers, man, showers. This is the first place I've worked where really nice showers are available, and it impresses upon me the absolute necessity for a decent locker room. Birdbaths get old. Yay for your company.

I would definitely look into two areas first:

- showers and lockers
- bike parking and bike security

These are two of the top issues that keep people from commuting regularly. Forget gift certificates, freebies, etc. Put that money into lasting bike infrastructure.

Agree with the above...my building has great protected parking, and without it I would not commute the way I do now. We don't have showers, and it would make things a heck of a lot easier if we did have them.

Showers, man, showers. This is the first place I've worked where really nice showers are available, and it impresses upon me the absolute necessity for a decent locker room. Birdbaths get old. Yay for your company.

I'd spend it on showers, too. I think I would commute every day if I had that. When it's pouring and cold, I don't mind riding if I can warm up and clean off in a shower, and then change into a fresh pair of clothes. That isn't available here, so I don't ride in very often when it's pouring in the rainy season.

Can people store their bikes in their cubes? If I was allowed to do that, I'd take my road bike instead of my commuter, and it would sweeten the deal; if I didn't already have a commuter, using the bike I already had might be the tipping point.

As nice as being paid to commute would be, I do it because I enjoy it, and because it makes better use of my personal time. $10 a week won't change the equation enough for me to care.

5 really awesome loaner bikes?
50 beater loaner bikes?

First, I would figure out how many people currently bike commute. I would then break down that number into sub groups consisting of:
a) year rounders :thumb:
b) seasonal :)
c)Occasional (or whatever groupings you thinks best describe them) ;)
d) cross section of people who don't ride :rolleyes:

Probably have each group come up with 3 things that they would like improved (i.e. what would make Occasional riders seasonal, or seasonal riders year rounders, or people who don't ride at least start or try).

You might come up with a list of things including new facilities, but you may also come up with things like lack of education (people may be afraid of traffic), inflexible work hours (I have to drop the kids off first to get here by 9), or a host of things you never thought of.

Basically you don't want to make amenities for one group, but have things benefiting a wide range of people. You might even find out that every group wants just one thing :D.

The first thing I look for is a decent bike rack - I really wish my work had bike lockers, so I could ride any of my bikes into work, not just the cheap ones.

The second one is somewhere at work to store a change of clothes and a place to change. At my current job I have a desk and drawers which is better than nothing, but I would prefer a locker so I don't have to walk through my desk area in bike tights (so far I've been commuting in jeans or mtn bike shorts which isn't to bad). It also lets people bike commute without everyone knowing they're bike commuting (wouldn't be a problem for me, but it is for some people), and avoids that "Oh oh oh you're at your desk I need to talk to you right right right now" person in the morning.

The third is showers, as someone else said.

Finally, if you want to encourage people to try bike commuting, I don't know if this is a realistic idea or not, but I've thought it could be useful to have an electric-assist bike for people who wanted to try it, but either are afraid of running out of energy partway in, or aren't in good shape right now but would be interested in trying it. Of course this has several issues - they have to bring the bike home with them the night before, making sure it isn't stolen, electric-assist bikes cost between $1500-$2500, and there's the sizing issue - it's hard to buy one bike that fits everyone.

Of course the biggest obstacle aside from bike parking is out of your control - the availability of good routes to your location. Some people will bike on busy streets - but people like me won't. Other people will bike on side streets and deal with light auto traffic (like me). Other people will only do it if there's dedicated offstreet bike path to your location.

Actually, this brings up another idea. There are 2 other things that keep people from biking to work -
1. Knowledge of a good route to their location. People often hesitate to even try it because they're not sure if a route is available, or what it would be, concerned that they would get lost, etc.
2. If someone they feel comfortable with will ride the route with them the first time that also helps.

I don't know if gift certificates and such would be motivating or not...hard to say.

To add to the loaner bikes notion, perhaps if showers didn't happen, the loaner scenario could take over. If it is a hit with the office (more people start riding), the company could then sponsor rewards, reinforcing their backing of a bike to work initiative. Unfortunately you are in Minnesota, where winter happens, so it would be seasonal for most. I'm thinking something like keeping track of who rides, how far, and how often, then letting those miles pile up to eventually earn the rider a bike of their own.

To address the beginners and out of shape/under-confident folks, maybe you could take the lead in managing a lunchtime ride?

I would definitely look into two areas first:

- showers and lockers
- bike parking and bike security

These are two of the top issues that keep people from commuting regularly. Forget gift certificates, freebies, etc. Put that money into lasting bike infrastructure.

couldn't agree more. and when he says bike parking, I would like to add covered bike parking.

Thank you everyone so much your input!!

From what I can see from everyone's posts is that infrastructure and education are solid investments. I know road safety and busy intersections scare many people from bike commuting - It's an uphill battle, but it's worth a shot.

I would definitely look into two areas first:

- showers and lockers
- bike parking and bike security

These are two of the top issues that keep people from commuting regularly. Forget gift certificates, freebies, etc. Put that money into lasting bike infrastructure.

word.

DO NOT hand the money out to bribe people into bike commuting a handful of times until the money well dries up. put that money into something that will last; into something the will continue to encourage bike commuting after the money has been spent. it's that whole give a man a fish vs. teaching him how to fish thing.

"give a man 20 dollars for biking to work and he bikes to work for a day, but give a man a place to shower after biking to work and he bikes to work for a lifetime."

+1 on showers and parking!

Shower/locker room.

Here's an idea that would probably go under the infrastructure- a room set up with a repair stand, some tools, floor pump. Might be nice (but a logistical nightmare in the making) to stock some 'consumable' items like tubes, CO2 cartridges, hydration/nutrition, maybe batteries...

First, I would figure out how many people currently bike commute. I would then break down that number into sub groups consisting of:
a) year rounders :thumb:
b) seasonal :)
c)Occasional (or whatever groupings you thinks best describe them) ;)
d) cross section of people who don't ride :rolleyes:

Probably have each group come up with 3 things that they would like improved (i.e. what would make Occasional riders seasonal, or seasonal riders year rounders, or people who don't ride at least start or try).

You might come up with a list of things including new facilities, but you may also come up with things like lack of education (people may be afraid of traffic), inflexible work hours (I have to drop the kids off first to get here by 9), or a host of things you never thought of.

Basically you don't want to make amenities for one group, but have things benefiting a wide range of people. You might even find out that every group wants just one thing :D.

I wouldn't bother with doing all the numbers. I wouldn't ask either. I mean democracy and all is great but people will start arguing and nit-picking and coming up with all the craziest ideas and it'll be just a waste of time. And I really doubt anyone will question the usefulness of showers, lockers and bike parking. Really, I can't imagine that any person genuinely interested in riding to work would question the wisdom of having showers, lockers and secure bike parking ahead of any other amenities. This will benefit the widest range of bike commuters.

The OP has cash on hand and he needs to spent it on improvements that will keep current bike commuters riding and encourage new bike commuters. That cash needs to be spent wisely on something lasting. I really don't think there is anything more worthy spending that money than showers, lockers and secure parking. The chances are very high that the seasonal and occasional people will ride a lot more and the people who don't ride might be tempted to ride as well. I know for a fact from talking to many people that being able to clean up after the ride and have a secure place for their bikes are top concerns and top reasons that prevent people from riding to work. Street safety is another issue, but that's a separate problem that can't be addressed here.

Just announce that showers, lockers and bike parking are coming and watch the reaction. I will be really shocked if there was any opposition to this idea.

Here's an idea that would probably go under the infrastructure- a room set up with a repair stand, some tools, floor pump. Might be nice (but a logistical nightmare in the making) to stock some 'consumable' items like tubes, CO2 cartridges, hydration/nutrition, maybe batteries...

The benefit from this will be very marginal and this facility would serve a very small percentage of bike commuters: the DIY types are a minority still. Also, tools tend to grow legs and wings and disappear. Like you said it would be a nightmare to keep everything accounted for and in good condition. The consumables will go quickly, money will be depleted and nothing will be left to offer a continuing encouragement to ride.

Unless you wanted to offer bike maintenance and repair classes, but still this will not encourage people to ride more, the benefit is too insignificant and intangible, period.

I would say, in order of priority:
1. Secure parking
2. Cover the parking
3. Showers
4. Full locker room

If your company already has locker rooms with showers, is there a janitorial closet nearby that could be made into bike storage? That's about as good as it gets, and most of the places I've worked have had at least one janitor closet that has fallen out of use.

Good, secure parking right at - or even inside - the door can make a big difference for a lot of people. With my knees, I'd rather pedal 3-5 miles and park at the door than drive and have to walk 100 yards or more from the car to the door. My wife bike commutes to her teaching job from time to time because the university has notoriously bad parking but the building she needs to get to has a bike rack at each end within ten yards of the door. Right at a mile door-to-door takes just about as long either way due to the search for a parking space, and it's not far enough for the air conditioner in the car to make much progress on 105F heat anyway.

I would say, in order of priority:
1. Secure parking
2. Cover the parking
3. Showers
4. Full locker room

If your company already has locker rooms with showers, is there a janitorial closet nearby that could be made into bike storage? That's about as good as it gets, and most of the places I've worked have had at least one janitor closet that has fallen out of use.


couldn't agree more. and when he says bike parking, I would like to add covered bike parking.

Of course. But that would be just the icing on the cake if money is left over. For instance, I would rather have showers and outdoor bike parking, than no showers and covered parking. Bike rain covers are $25. Or, I'd rather have a fence and locking gate first than a roof.


"give a man 20 dollars for biking to work and he bikes to work for a day, but give a man a place to shower after biking to work and he bikes to work for a lifetime."

LOL :) I Like that!

Thank you everyone so much your input!!

From what I can see from everyone's posts is that infrastructure and education are solid investments. I know road safety and busy intersections scare many people from bike commuting - It's an uphill battle, but it's worth a shot.

Safety education can be done for free. It takes a couple of enthusiasts and volunteers and some spare time and a room or some emails :D

Of course. But that would be just the icing on the cake if money is left over. For instance, I would rather have showers and outdoor bike parking, than no showers and covered parking. Bike rain covers are $25. Or, I'd rather have a fence and locking gate first than a roof.

This depends on your weather; a rain cover will keep the seat dry, but it doesn't keep the handlebars from causing second degree burns after 8 hours of Texas sun. I'd also have to say that, if the public can get to it, covered parking has a bit more appearance of security than a rack sitting out in the corner of the lot.

This depends on your weather; a rain cover will keep the seat dry, but it doesn't keep the handlebars from causing second degree burns after 8 hours of Texas sun. I'd also have to say that, if the public can get to it, covered parking has a bit more appearance of security than a rack sitting out in the corner of the lot.

That's true. But we're working with a limited budget and covered bike parking will add to the costs significantly I think. And the OP is in Minnesota so the scorching sun might not be that much of a problem. Although, I burned my thighs on my black frame once in NYC.

That's true. But we're working with a limited budget and covered bike parking will add to the costs significantly I think.

Again, that depends on how it's done; maintenance extending a sheet metal awning off the building wall with a couple of pieces of pipe for supports is pretty cheap compared to something more substantial, but it still gets the job done.

This is my first internet comment about bicycling ever. I'm 52 and started commuting about a month ago. I didn't know I was going to be a bicycle commuter when I bought the bike but I knew after my second day of riding it. In fact, the first place I rode my bike was 6.7 miles to work. It changed everything about my work day. I can't believe how important this has become to me in just a short time.
Funny, the last bike I owned was a Murray bought at K-Mart 20 years ago. It never saw much action. Before that the last time I rode a bike was the day before I got my drivers license. Ha!
Somehow I knew this was going to be big for me when I bought this new bike.
It took only the first or second day before I knew I was going to be a commuter. Immediately, serious conciderations for the logistics of commuting came up. Many of which have been mentioned here.
If you want to encourage somebody like me a month ago to commute by bicycle, you would have to show me how to keep fresh cloths at work and how I was going to change into them. How was I going to protect my bike from thieves or vandals? How do I get lunch to work? Spend $5000 to encourage someone like me to bike commute? Tear down the barriers of commuting that separate pleasure from burden.
Darned pleased to be here ya'll!

Forgot one; dig a swamp out back to hide the bodies of the JAM coworkers who advocate running bikes off the road.

-Showers
-Covered, secure bike parking, and also showers

If you really want to get people commuting, then there is only one way: cash bounty.

Divvy up the money into a variety of prizes, make them of increasing difficulty and value, and then add in a couple prizes from management that show their commitment to the cause.

Possible ideas:

$100 to anyone who commutes over 200 miles in a single month. (10 mile r/t x 20 work days).

$1000 additional anyone who commutes over 1200 miles in 6 months.

Dinner with the executive of choice for anyone who wins the $100 prize 3 times.

Stuff like that, except adjusted for actual budget, etc.

Showers would be awesome but that would cost more that $5000. Figure out what ideas are useful. A new commuter is not thinking about safe parking and showers like a veteran would. A new commuter would be thinking about why does this bike cost $850? I need fenders? Geometry?

Start small, at least you have a budget. Try to figure out the things you can do for free. Figure out an ideal number of new commuters, like a goal. Then plan a strategy around that. If you buy racks that accomadate 100 bikes and only 15 commit, that's money lost.

Buying a bike is a hurdle. I've been saving for a month now to buy a bike. See if a LBS is willing to help out. Once again start small. See if you can arrange a bike rental/loaner system for new commuters. (Get really creative in this part, remember the LBS has to benefit) Or create a bike share system for the newbies until they buy their own bike. Have the newbs try biking twice a week for a month. That way they can save and not be turned off at the idea of buying a bike. Or maybe have time to adjust to the lifestyle.

Think of persuasive answer for the interested commuter. "Like I bought my bike for $xxx It paid itself off in five month from the gas i would have purchased if I drove.", or "Riding to work supplements my workout schedule and that equals to the same amount of time that I do driving."

Showers and secure covered parking / storage would be tops on my list. I am fortunate to have the shower part covered at my office but parking leaves a bit to be desired.

Another possibility; set aside part of it to cover shipping on group buys from online retailers, and have somebody coordinate the buys.

Quickly

Have them give you one of these: http://www.racycles.com/product.aspx?catid=2,429,2756 and announce that it's the first "annual top bike commuter prize."

Make sure they don't tell anybody that the next several years' prizes are autographed photos of you with your bike :D

I would definitely look into two areas first:

- showers and lockers
- bike parking and bike security

These are two of the top issues that keep people from commuting regularly. Forget gift certificates, freebies, etc. Put that money into lasting bike infrastructure.
+1

showers and secure bike parking will highly influence where i choose as my next place of employment. even in a bad market, i'll get to choose.

i could live without lockers (if i've got space near my desk that's secure), but a shower makes a HUGE difference. "good" and "secure" parking are both subjective and depend on multiple variables (weather, public access, etc), but i would err on the side of quality over quantity (this also encourages people to show up early). good "A" frame racks, properly installed, are reasonably cheap... get a few of them that support 2 bikes each, rather than spending the same money on a wheel-bender that allegedly parks 20 bikes. next year you can get a few more "A" frames but a wheel-bender will fester indefinitely and NOT generate the good-will that proper parking racks do. of course, this assumes that parking is in a garage or parking lot... parking next to a desk or in a closet is usually more desirable, and can often be done at or near zero budget.

edit: in some places, non-secured cubbies are alright (especially in areas that are restricted access to start with). i'm not worried that anyone will steal my soap or clothes. i will need a place to hang my towel so it can dry out.

I'm afraid the only thing keeping me from bike commuting is the roads. The only section of my 11 mile commute I wouldn't be putting myself in serious danger is the first mile.

$5k wouldn't buy a bike path :(

So yeah, I envy the rest of you who have the option!

What the rest said. Probably the best way to encourage bicycling is secure bike parking and some sort of locker room / shower facilities.

Where I work, we have access to the basement of the building, which is where our records storage is. There, we have a small rack and an air pump. Only people from my company are allowed into the room and there is a security camera watching the whole thing. I don't even bother locking my bike down there.

From there, it is just an elevator ride up one floor to the building fitness center where our whole company has access to a gym, locker room and showers. Makes it nice to come in and cool down with a shower before going into work.

Despite all this, the most I've seen in our bike parking from my company is three bikes, including mine. It is kind of sad when one considers the great weather we've had and all the great bicycle facilities leading into downtown.

1. Showers
2. Bike racks

Showers would be awesome but that would cost more that $5000.

If there's existing plumbing, a shower can be installed for a lot less than 5K. Converting a janitor's floor sink into a shower stall can be done for a few hundred bucks in materials, and a day's labor.

Mostly a repitition of what's been said-

1) showers

2) parking and security-indoor parking is best, covered parking would be next best. With your budget it sounds like you would have to use existing space in an existing building.

3) set up a website off your intranet webpage that would educate new commuters on how to get into it, the equipment they need. if you have a big company maybe work out a discount program with a local bike shop for employees and their families that could be advertised there. Have discussion group like bikeforum on the website so people could ask questions, and have a few people that are subject experts that can be contacted for questions.

4)how about a payroll deduction program for bike purchases?

3) every so often, have a free breakfast for employees that rode in that day. maybe have a giveaway from the bike shop of some inexpensive item to be selected from people who rode.

"give a man 20 dollars for biking to work and he bikes to work for a day, but give a man a place to shower after biking to work and he bikes to work for a lifetime."
:lol: well done. :thumb:
I agree with the showers/parking route vs. the "cash incentives". Honestly, $5k will go pretty quickly, and may not even be sufficient for more than 1-2 shower stalls (depending on what existing space is available).

Good luck!

another thing that can be done nearly for free... set up a bike-buddy program. like car-pooling, but pairing up a n00b with an experienced rider so they can ride in together.

http://www.gw.govt.nz/bike-buddies/
http://cyclingwellington.co.nz/2011/05/need-friends-get-a-bike-buddy/

and for everyone who isn't yet riding a bike, the company does help facilitate car-pooling... right?

sometimes money like this is "use it or lose it" and sometimes not using it all makes it harder to get in future... if there's a few dollars left over after a shower and some proper racks, maybe get a decent floor-pump and leave it by the racks, if the racks are in a secure area. otherwise, maybe spend any leftover funds on blinky lights, t-shirts, or gift-certificates for the LBS... useful pat-on-the-back gifts for people who are riding their bikes to work.

probably the biggest barrier is that 80% of the employees live over 12 miles from work. We are focusing on the 15% or so that live less than 5 miles away...it is the only realistic option right now.
Thanks for your input.

You could also use some of the money and save it for a Guaranteed Ride Home Service which some companies offer to commuters which basically reimburses them for a taxi ride a couple times a year, in case of emergencies or your sick and just do not want to ride home. Also a public transit subsidy so employees can get a bus pass to have with them when they just dont feel like biking home.

$5k wouldn't buy a bike path :(

Depending where you live. In NYC that might buy a 100 feet of bike path :D

Sounds like you are already on the right track but to add some ideas:
Guaranteed Ride Home Program http://www.baltimorecommutes.com/ridehome/
A bicycle Commute Club http://www.recgov.org/r&w/nihbike/

There are other idea on the NIH Bike page as NIH is probably state of the art bike commuter club with over 300 members (at last count I remember)

I'm afraid the only thing keeping me from bike commuting is the roads. The only section of my 11 mile commute I wouldn't be putting myself in serious danger is the first mile.

$5k wouldn't buy a bike path :(

So yeah, I envy the rest of you who have the option!

Unless the entire commute is an interstate highway, I suspect that it not quite as life threatening as it feels to you right now. "grave danger" is usually much more subjective than we are willing to admit.

Also, are there any other roads you can use? Mind if we ask for an approximate start point and approximate end point so we can consider the actual circumstances?

1.) Indoor parking to avoid thieves and the elements.

2.) Free bike coupons to non-commuters? I know that my LBS has a partnership with the local university to where you just walk in and show your ID and you get a loaner bike. Either you could do that or actually offer like 10 or 20 non-commuter free bike coupons for some lower end hybrids.

3.) Bike workshop at the bike parking area?

I would get everybody marathon supreme tires so they don't spend so much time late for work fixing flats.

Unless the entire commute is an interstate highway, I suspect that it not quite as life threatening as it feels to you right now. "grave danger" is usually much more subjective than we are willing to admit.

Also, are there any other roads you can use? Mind if we ask for an approximate start point and approximate end point so we can consider the actual circumstances?

After the first mile it's either take a highway (hwy 50 in orlando), or a "back road" which is a narrow two lane with zero runoff and 45mph speed limit (where half the people drive 60+), which has a constant stream of traffic in both directions during work traffic. The former has significant accidents at least a couple times a week, the latter is lined with crosses/flowers. I've seen people riding on the latter on weekends, but never during work traffic. From there it's cut back over to 50, and get on a different highway (hwy 408).

Basically 50 is so jacked up traffic wise that everyone tries to take back roads to avoid it. I'm more afraid to be on those than 50, and I've personally seen a half dozen pedestrian/cyclist accidents over the years on 50. Usually some dunce on the phone wandering around lanes clips a hapless traveler (at 40-60mph).

I still use the bike to get groceries and whatnot, but somehow I had a better chance of commuting to work when I lived 40+ miles away going the other direction.

Guaranteed Ride Home gets my vote too! The feeling that they will be trapped at work if something comes up is a very big obstacle to overcome for most non-biking commuters. Of course those of us that are bike commuting know that it is not very often that we need/want a ride home. In the Madison, WI area there is a Rideshare program that offers a voucher for cab service if you are registered with them and use an alternative mode of commute...Maybe you can set something up with your employer and a local cab service if available. That, showers and indoor parking make 17 miles doable for me. :-)

I'm not convinced that showers would be the tipping point, especially for people who live within 5 miles. Of course, I'm a programmer, and we aren't exactly know for our personal hygiene.

A decent parking area is a must. If you don't have that, nothing else works. Depending on your neighborhood, a wavy rack out front is probably sufficient.

I really like the loaner bike idea, just don't make them WalMart bikes. My experience is that the biggest barrier to getting people biking to work is getting them to try it. Once they see how much better it is than driving, they'll do the rest of the work to make things happen. You can get a good, solid commuter for around $400, probably cheaper if you're going to buy 10 of them. Don't forget loaner helmets and locks.

I also really like the bike-buddy idea. A lot of my co-workers say things like finding a safe route keep them from biking to work. That's an easy job for someone who's done this a lot, but not so easy for a newbie.

I also think that an in-house workshop going over the basics of bike commuting and providing Q&A time would be a very helpful way to encourage people. The key is to have somebody who doesn't look athletic (and preferably a woman) give the presentation. Guys in spandex with washboard calves don't help people envision themselves biking to work. We had a local bike advocacy group come out and put on a workshop here, and a bunch of local bike shops put up a display of the stuff they had to offer. I think the whole thing cost about $100.