As our communities continue to deal with the effects of COVID-19, we are also feeling the impact of the escalating climate crisis. As we move out of lockdown the calls to "build back greener" are welcome: Most people want cleaner air, greener living spaces and healthier communities, but for local businesses and community organisations, the idea may carry a sense of pressure: With finances, staff and volunteers stretched to breaking point, how can those hardest-hit by the pandemic support Bristol's "Green Covid Recovery"?
Towards a Green Covid Recovery
Air pollution is estimated to kill around five people each week in Bristol - as well as causing other serious health issues. In fact, over 80% of NO2 in Bristol comes from local traffic. The domination of cars and busy roads is making people sick, contributing to "transport poverty" and preventing children from playing safely outdoors.
Yet the first lockdown saw roads empty and more people walking and cycling. The number of cyclists skyrocketed: According to the Government, cycling rose by around 200%, with more people opting to avoid public transport. Indeed over half of public transport users say they will continue to avoid buses and trains after the pandemic, in favour of cycling or walking. This is encouraging - even if we haven't maintained the low traffic levels that emboldened so many to dust-off their bikes.
We all want to see our communities come back to life again as we move out of lockdown. But this should not happen at the expense of the environment - and our health: A Green Covid Recovery must have the reduction of traffic pollution at its heart. And there are simple ways for employers to help reduce the number of car journeys: Continuing to enable home working and encouraging employees to switch to "active transport" are two easy-wins.
Life Cycle UK offers a range of services in Bristol and across the South West, to encourage and empower people to get cycling, including free urban cycle skills sessions for adults and access to affordable, refurbished bikes. Our Dr Bike sessions are a great way for employers to reward existing cyclists and encourage more employees to give cycling a try. The great thing about cycling is it's low cost - and almost anyone can do it, with the right support.
It's time to Take a Stand
We also support good cycling infrastructure: For example, in Bristol our Take a Stand® scheme will supply, deliver and install up to four Sheffield Cycle Stands stands FREE of charge to independent business and community organisations. This zero-cost offer is only possible thanks to funding from the Megawatt Community Energy Fund and Travelwest. We also offer free cycle parking in several other local authority areas - and sell stands to larger organisations that don't qualify for the subsidy.
While cycle stands can't reverse all the ravages of COVID-19, they are a simple way for businesses to enhance their offer to staff and customers. On-site car parking may be a rare 'luxury', but it's possible for many organisations to provide on-site cycle parking. In fact, the benefits to businesses can be huge, boosting staff well-being and increasing retail spending by as much as 500%. The simple act of installing cycle stands will give a warm welcome to the growing numbers of cyclists - providing reliable, free parking right on your doorstep.