By creating or improving existing cycle lanes and infrastructure in Bristol a greater talent pool for businesses will emerge, public realm and a sense of place will be greatly improved, shortcomings in existing public transport can be supported and air quality improved.
So says Bilfinger GVA, the UK’s leading commercial real estate advisor, who, as one of forty major signatory companies, has put its weight behind the British Cycling-backed #ChooseCycling campaign.
Jo Davis, Regional Senior Director of Bilfinger GVA in Bristol, comments: “Cycling infrastructure is becoming an essential part of the modern public realm and streetscape. As businesses, our assets are our people, and in order to attract the very best talent, we want to make our cities cleaner, healthier and more attractive places to live, work and play. Anything that attracts talent is good for business. So making getting to and from work an easy and pleasant proposition is good for business.”
What’s more, a recent study by RTPI and Bilfinger GVA found that just 13% of new homes built since 2012 were within 800 metres of a public transport station. This evidence alone suggests how using a push-bike could greatly increase convenience and cut journey times significantly to and from those stations for 87% of people living in recently built new homes situated further away from public transport.
Studies have also shown those cycling to work take 1.3 fewer sick days per year, have reduced stress levels and feel happier at work when compared to those commuting by car or train.
Bilfinger GVA is among forty businesses within the #ChooseCycling network. Other companies involved include Coca-Cola, GSK, Tesco, Virgin and The AA, with the only other property related companies involved being British Land and Broadgate Estates.
Formed by British Cycling in March 2015, the #ChooseCycling Network is a group of British businesses, with a workforce in excess of half a million people, that strongly believe more cycling would be better for our built environment and good for the health and wellbeing of their workforce and customers.
Jo adds: “The #ChooseCycling network is a useful platform from which to show local and central Government, what we, as specialists in planning and the built environment, want our towns and cities to look like.”
Chris Boardman, British Cycling policy adviser, comments: “We’re delighted that so many major businesses and nationally recognised brands have come on board to join British Cycling’s #ChooseCycling network. The breadth of sectors involved demonstrates that this isn’t just about cycling, it’s about creating safer, more pleasant places to live and work and there is no logical argument against it.
