By backing up their endorsement with financial or other incentives, employers can demonstrate that their commitment is sincere, and that they regard bicycling as a legitimate and professionally acceptable mode of transportation.

There are many ways of promoting bicycle commuting at your business. Consider the following list to be a springboard, and let your imagination run wild!

Giveaways

Offer a free "starter kit" to bicycle commute program recruits. Include such items as a patch kit, reflective stickers, water bottle, and bike map.

• Hold monthly prize drawings for program participants, perhaps in conjunction with brown-bag workshops.
• Have t-shirts made featuring your company logo and a bike-friendly design or slogan. Then give these away to bicycle action committee members, or bicycle commute program participants.
• Offer free or subsidized tune-ups at a local bicycle shop.
• Offer free SABA memberships

Special Events

Participate in May is Bike Month. Appoint a worksite coordinator to handle registration. Offer free food, prizes, or on-site bicycle adjustments to employees who participate.

• Implement a commuter challenge contest with other area businesses.
• Hold a "Pedal with the CEO" day.
• Stage a bike rodeo for employee's children.
• Sponsor recreational rides and fitness races.
• Subsidize a bike education class.

Acknowledgements

• Recognize bicycle commuters in your company newsletter or on a bulletin board display.
• Give awards to "dedicated bicycle commuters" who ride more than 50% of the workdays during a specified period.

Other programs and incentives

• Provide discounts or subsidies on the purchase of bicycles, helmets, or other commuting equipment.
• Provide payroll deductions for bicycle purchases.
• Offer cash back to cyclists who agree not to use employee parking spaces.
• Provide travel reimbursement ($0.10/mile) to bicyclists.
• Allow employees to earn $0.25 hour vacation time per day of bicycle commuting.
• Offer flextime or a fifteen-minute grace period for bicycle commuters.