Cycling is a great way to get to work if you don't have to travel too far, and it's an excellent way of keeping fit and healthy. The British Medical Association have stated that cyclists have lower levels of stress, less risk of heart attack and a fitness level equivalent to someone 10 years younger. A healthier workforce is also a more productive workforce, with cyclists taking fewer days off sick than the average employee, and cycling promotes a good company image of civic responsibility.

Apart from the health benefits, cycling is also a fast and efficient form of transport. Cyclists are not delayed by congestion, or at least, by nowhere near as much as cars. Cycling reduces car-parking pressure - 10 bikes can be parked in the space of one car. It is pollution free, good fun and costs very little to purchase and maintain, and there is no additional cost for every journey made.

Encourage employees to cycle to work by providing secure and preferably covered bike parking, like cycle stands or lockers. If you are serious about using cycling as an alternative to cars, it is essential that you provide staff with showers and clothes lockers. Of course, these can be used by anyone in the company. If showers are not a feasible option, you could consider allowing staff to wear clothes suitable for cycling in the office.

You may want to consider providing interest free loans for those staff that want to buy a bike, or look into the possibility of staff discounts at local bike shops. You could even set up a bike pool - you could have company bikes instead of company cars!

Consider setting-up, or at least actively supporting, a Bicycle Users Group. They could offer support and safety advice, provide access to equipment, publicise suitable cycling routes and even push the local authority for more cycle lanes.

You could provide a reasonable cycle mileage allowance - the cost would be easily offset by the amount saved on car mileage allowances.