When I bike, I get to work earlier and am ready to work earlier than when I drive. The exercise makes employees brains work better and I beleive would results in less absenteeism. It virtually always takes the same amount of time to bike. Not so for commuting by car because of the not infrequent car accident and traffic jam. I've never got a flat while commuting. Years ago a ped family stepped out in front of me right at a high speed chicane and I hit the rear brake too hard and wrecked. I still made it to work on time.

In Zimbabwe recently employers started giving people bikes because of fuel shortages. The fuel shortages have caused the public transportation system to become sporadic. (see Cape Times) Employers are all to often slow to respond to market pressures and loose out becuase of it. Commuting is something that affects nearly all businesses. Smart businesses should promote commuting by bike-- if for no other reason that to tout their part in improving the environment, lesson fuel shortages and show their forward thinking.

We should list any company that makes it difficult to commute by bike and systematically address thier issues. The organization, “Transportation Alternatives” recently published a list of 40 companies that support bike commuting in NYC. (see last week’s nyt) We should have a black list of companies as well.

Our laws should be changed so as to eliminate liability issues for companies who want to permit biking on their private property and to allow the progressive companies tax breaks for company built bike facilities.