Promoting sustainable commutes | Bike week within the financial services

The financial services sector is characterized by its fast pace, dynamism, and often challenging demands. It is no wonder many opt for a quick and uncomplicated commute, seeking to simplify their busy days.

Whether by car, rail, or bus, thousands of us in financial services, and millions of others across the country, rely on motorized or public transportation daily - inadvertently contributing to rising CO2 emissions. Yet, within this bustling industry lies a lesser-known opportunity for quick, productive, and sustainable commuting—the annual 'Bike to Work Day' during World Bike Week.

“Bike to Work Day” takes place within “World Bike Week”, in the second week of June and in 2024, this day will fall on Monday the 10th June. Both “Bike to Work Day” and the wider “World Bike Week” are celebrated every year, especially on the West Coast of the USA and Mainland Europe. Despite their global reach, these initiatives often go unnoticed within the finance industry—a trend we in the Climate Change and Journey to Net Zero workstream hope to reverse.

These global initiatives advocate for cycling as a viable alternative to traditional modes of transportation, particularly for short-distance commutes, advocating for embracing the outdoors and encouraging sustainable commuting practices. With the arrival of warmer weather in Britain (no matter how brief), there's no better time to enjoy the beauty of Spring and Summer while reducing our carbon footprint. As this movement gains traction worldwide, it is time to get involved.

The core concept of Bike Week is "everyday cycling for everyone," encouraging people to incorporate cycling into their routines, whether for commuting, leisure, or fitness. Currently, only 4% of UK commutes are by bike, despite 42% of the population having access to bicycles. Therefore, with 10 million people travelling short distances to work (less than 10 kilometres) UK-wide, and given that it takes only 25-35 minutes to cycle 10km on average, there's a significant untapped population of potential cyclists. And to top it off, you can still enjoy the benefit of listening to music or an audiobook on your commute, whilst still paying attention to your surroundings of course..! Whether you’re a beginner cyclist or a rusty pro, by switching from a train, bus or car to a bike for your daily commute, not only will you be getting fitter, but say goodbye to queuing and cramped seating – you’ll be the only passenger on their ride (unless of course, you own a tandem…) 

Cycling can be as efficient as driving during peak traffic hours, ensuring punctuality without compromising environmental responsibility. Moreover, cycling significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to driving, making it a key player in combating climate change.  According to data from the European Cyclists' Federation, a single person cycling one mile saves approximately 0.9 pounds of CO2 emissions compared to driving a car. With transportation accounting for a considerable portion of carbon emissions globally, promoting cycling can play a vital role in mitigating climate change.

As well as environmental benefits, regular cycling e.g., for as little as 1 hour per week, boasts numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and mental well-being. Studies have shown that cycling even this small amount, brings about a 10% total drop in mortality of all causes - so imagine how good you can feel after a couple of commutes. I can certainly attest to these benefits; incorporating cycling into my commute in preparation for this article has led to increased engagement at work and improved mental health. We all know that mental health is a complicated and relevant issue in the modern workplace – both within and beyond financial services - however finding a mode of transport which has helped clear my mind and provide a sense of accomplishment has had a revolutionary effect on my mental wellbeing. Picking up regular cycling comes with endless benefits not only for your mind, body, and the planet, but also your wallet—a sentiment echoed by many during Bike Week's #7DaysofCycling campaign such as London's Debbie Young;

"I'm now back cycling to work after a 2-year break and it's a WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN situation. It takes the same time as public transport, it helps the environment, I can save £600 a year. I get fit."

Each day of Bike Week features a different theme, promoting various aspects of cycling, from its environmental benefits to its positive impact on mental health. Whether it's replacing part of your commute or participating in local events, every effort counts towards promoting sustainable commuting practices. So please, check out Bike Week 2024 | Cycling UK, and hit those hashtags just like Debbie to see what's happening in your area and how to can help both yourself and the community!

When it comes to sustainability, efficiency and health, every little helps. Even if your commute can't be completely done via cycling, simply factoring in cycling to a portion of your journey (as I have done by cycling to the local train station each day) would be amazing and would still help you realise some of the benefits we’ve covered in this article. Every year around 500 events are registered as part of Bike Week, such as family-friendly rides, bike maintenance events, bike breakfasts and group rides, to name but a few. Around 300,000 extra people choose to take part every year which can be found in the link above, and I'll be proud to count myself as one of them. As we gear up for Bike Week, let's seize the opportunity to advocate for cycling within the FS sector. By embracing cycling as a transportation option, we not only contribute to environmental conservation but also foster well-being and operational efficiency.

Whilst I'm not suggesting you become a professional cyclist overnight, buy a top-of-the-line BMX and enlist in the Tour-De-France, I am hoping that your cycling efforts throughout the 2nd week of June will encourage you to think differently when it comes to commuting, demonstrate how you can factor cycling in to your life more regularly, and potentially sway you to picking the more sustainable choice in future – not only for the planet, but for yourself.

Together, let's invest in cycling infrastructure and advocate for policies that pave the way for greener, healthier commutes, communities, and industries. Although it may seem like an uphill battle, if we can kick into 6th gear, pedal by pedal, we can propel ourselves towards a more sustainable future.