A LOCAL employer has seen a large surge in the amount of employees cycling and walking into work at their head office based on Aycliffe Business Park, with a massive 15% of staff now regularly walking or cycling in each week, despite the business’s out of town location.
This figure, from Shower Manufacturer Roman, beats the average national statistics for England, which highlights that 10% of adults in England cycle at least once per week.
With their interests sparked by this sudden increase, Roman, have spoken to their employees about this trend, and found out there was a wide range of reasons for this change from saving money on transport, to those working to get fit, through to the recent change in weather, along with those who are being mindful of the environment.
Ally Chesney, from Roman’s Marketing Team, commented: “Cycling to work is a great way for me to get some extra exercise in each week. I’m currently training for my first triathlon and to complete the Spartan Race, so cycling to work ensures I get some extra training.”
Chesney is in good company, as a number of Roman employees are in training for a variety of sporting events including; triathlons, the Great North Run, Tough Mudder and various 10k races, so for them cycling and walking to work has become part of their regime.
For others, it’s just a regular part of their daily routine. Customer Relations Advisor, Gavin Gorman, said: “I walk every day – sun, rain, snow, everything. I live fairly locally so it doesn’t take too long.”
Roman provides bike racks so employees can park their bikes securely during the working day and have seen employees taking advantage of this, but it has become increasingly popular over the last few months.
David Osborne, Director, commented: “It’s great to see so many of our employees cycling and walking to work. It’s such a great way to get fit and healthy. Not only is it good for their own well-being, but it’s also great for the environment, with less people driving. From our point of view, as a manufacturer, we are always working to reduce our impact on the environment, and hold ISO14001 accreditation We are delighted to see so many of our employees are choosing to leave their cars at home, and cycling in to work so regularly.”
Some of Roman’s bikers and walkers:
L-R Johnny Austin, Joe Brown, Malcom Stobbs, Will Smurthwaite and Ally Chesney
