gerv, I support your idea. I do, however, think that it needs a new and fresh approach ... as I've mentioned in my posts above.


There have been numerous walk to work or cycle to work days over the years, and one of the things which has frustrated me is the lack of support from my, and other, employers. I might want to walk or ride to work on that day as a celebration of what I normally do, and I might want to encourage my co-workers, acquaintances, etc. to walk or cycle to work too. And people do express interest in it. But our employers don't seem to be on board. They aren't negative about it ... or positive either.

At one place, I wanted to organise something where the whole office would sign up with the organisation doing the walk or cycle to work day. That organisation had a contest among businesses ... giving prizes to the business with the highest participation percentage. But the enthusiasm was not there. I was told I could put up posters and people could sign up individually if they wanted, but they weren't interested in going in as a whole.

And when employers and other businesses (schools, shops, theatre, etc.) don't provide anything in the way of cycling infrastructure (bicycle racks, secure bicycle parking, showers, or whatever the case may be), it all becomes too hard for would-be participants.

I did a training course in one particular building, for example, which had signs both outside and inside the building demanding that no bicycles were allowed anywhere near the building. Well, if I worked in that building (and many people did), I probably wouldn't cycle because ... where would I put my bicycle when I got there? And I've seen those signs on many buildings.


One area employers are more enthusiastic about is wellness. Many businesses are holding training courses on wellness and promoting wellness programs. That might be something these walk/cycle to work programs could be a part of. It wouldn't be a huge cost to the business to encourage their employees to get exercise before and after work ... in the form of walking or cycling to work.

So as you craft your program, that might be the direction to go.


And I also believe that small steps are the way to go. Encourage people to make their next trip car-free. They don't have to make a life-time commitment, just try the next trip by walking or bicycle. If that's doable, then try another trip that way. And before you know it, maybe half the trips are by walking or bicycle. Wonderful!