Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID)’s Post

It's National Bike Week in Ireland! Fresh air, minimal traffic disruptions, climate-smart, exercise, what's not to love about biking to work? 🚲 (except for the occasional Irish downpour...) If you're looking to encourage your colleagues to ditch the cars or public transport and take up the Bike to Work Scheme instead, providing a safe place to lock up their bikes is essential. AJ have that sorted for you. 🚲Opt for galvanised bike racks, they can withstand harsh weather. 🚲Ensure a variety of bike racks are available so that regular bikes, electric bikes and scooters can be locked up safely. If possible, consider investing in a bicycle shelter with a roof. 🚲Enhance security measures by positioning bicycle parking near entrances or car parks, minimising the risk of theft. #BikeToWork #NationalBikeWeek

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The top three reasons why every business should opt into having a bike rack! 1. It increases parking capacity efficiently: Bike racks offer a low-cost solution to expand parking capacity. Without the expense of building new spaces, businesses can accommodate more vehicles by encouraging biking. 2. It enhances security for cyclists: Installing bike racks provides a designated, secure space for cyclists to park their bikes. This reduces the risk of theft or damage, fostering trust and loyalty among cyclists. 3. It promotes health and morale: Supporting cycling as a mode of transportation promotes employee well-being and morale. Encouraging biking to work can improve physical health, reduce stress, and boost productivity. Visit our website for more information: https://loom.ly/9UR46hs or give us a call at 01283 215097. #businessadvantage #costeffectiveparking #greencommute

#NationalBikeMonth hits its peak with Bike to Work Day this Friday! Over the course of this week, let's talk about what we need to prepare for starting a bike commute, and put it into practice on Friday. Today's topic: route selection - because a bike isn't a car, you can't just ride to work the same way you drive. The way that you get yourself from your house to your office can run the gamut between super chill and death-defying. Here are some things that I've picked up over a decade-plus of bike commuting: * Mapping tools have advanced significantly since I started. I like Strava, but there are plenty of other options out there like Komoot and even Google Maps. I particularly like Strava's heat map - it's a great visualization of routes that are safer to ride based on the wisdom of thousands of other cyclists local to you. Even if you just use Google Maps, the directions by bicycle will prioritize routes with better infrastructure, so you'll find yourself in bike lanes more often. * In many cases (including my own), morning rush hour coincides with school drop-off times. Where possible, route around schools so you don't have to deal with the anarchy that is the school drop-off line. * Start from Google Maps' bike direction time estimate, and give yourself a 25% buffer for your first commute. Over time, you'll figure out exactly how long it takes you to commute, and you'll be able to rely on that pretty well. Unlike driving, I've found the time it takes me to get from home to work to be extremely consistent to plus or minus three minutes. Bike commuters, what are your tips to make #BikeToWorkDay great? #ActiveTransportation

🚲 Bikeability and Walkability: Keys to Community Health and Sustainable Environment 🌿 In today's fast-paced world, focusing on sustainable and healthy transportation methods has become more crucial than ever. Bikeability and walkability are two significant approaches that can have a profound impact on community health and the environment. 🌍 Benefits of Bikeability and Walkability 💪 1. Improved Physical Health 🏃♀️: Studies show that regular cycling and walking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by up to 30% (Celis-Morales et al., 2017). 2. Reduced Air Pollution 🌬️: Replacing cars with bicycles and walking can decrease greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10% (Woodcock et al., 2009). 3. Enhanced Mental Health 🧠: Regular physical activity reduces stress and improves mental well-being (Biddle & Asare, 2011). 4. Economic Savings 💰: Using bicycles and walking can reduce transportation costs by up to 50% (Litman, 2021). Strategies to Encourage Bikeability and Walkability 🚀 1. Improve Infrastructure 🛣️: Create safe and attractive bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths. 2. Education and Culture Building 📚: Conduct awareness campaigns and teach cycling skills. 3. Financial Incentives 💳: Offer tax deductions or subsidies for bicycle purchases. 4. Integration with Public Transport 🚌: Provide facilities for carrying bicycles on public transport vehicles. By encouraging and supporting bikeability and walkability, we can take a significant step towards creating healthier and more sustainable communities. Will you join this movement? 🤔 #Bikeability #Walkability #CommunityHealth #SustainableEnvironment #GreenTransport #UrbanPlanning

Whenever I travel to larger cities, most have bike rental programs. Its a great, cheap way to get around a city and see it from a different perspective. I have done this in NYC, Chicago, Paris, London, and Milan. I love this idea of a cargo bike sharing program that allows for daily errands - https://buff.ly/4cp0wjt #cityplanning #transportation #bicycles #rideshare

Bike lanes generally are a net good in almost every measure, plus health benefits of cycling and reducing long term maintenance costs for infrastructure. Changing our priorities in land use and transportation now will generate significant economic dividends later. In a place like Charleston investing in the transit and active transportation improvements can be one step in reversing the areas decline. https://lnkd.in/gAC8F85r

🚴♀️🚗 Sharing the Road: A Guide for Cyclists and Drivers In an era where sustainable transportation is gaining traction, it's crucial to address the growing interaction between cyclists and motorists on our roads. 🌍 Key takeaways for cyclists: • Visibility is paramount - bright clothing by day, reflective gear by night • Predictability saves lives - use hand signals and obey traffic laws • Stay alert and avoid distractions For drivers: • Give cyclists space - at least three feet when passing • Be vigilant - always check blind spots and intersections • Patience is a virtue - remember, cyclists are legitimate road users too These guidelines aren't just about safety; they're about fostering a culture of mutual respect on our roads. As we see more cities investing in cycling infrastructure, it's clear that bicycles are becoming an integral part of our urban mobility solutions. The implications for our industry are significant. From urban planning to automotive design, we need to adapt to this shift in transportation dynamics. How can we innovate to make our roads safer and more inclusive for all users? Let's start a dialogue on how we can contribute to this evolution in our respective fields. Share your thoughts or experiences below! #RoadSafety #SustainableTransport #UrbanMobility

As an avid cycler and someone who tends to travel around a lot due to the nature of my job, I'm always surprised about the shortage of bike lanes across the U.S. compared to Europe. Of course, there has been a growing recognition of the need for more bike-friendly infrastructure to promote sustainable and healthy #transportation options, particularly in larger cities. But overall, more investment is needed in creating dedicated bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and other initiatives to encourage cycling. As we navigate the challenges of urbanisation, it's crucial to prioritize sustainable modes of transportation. Why Bike Lanes matter: 🚲Eco-friendly Commuting: Biking reduces carbon emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet. 🚲Health and Wellness: Encourages an active lifestyle, fostering physical and mental well-being. 🚲Reduced Traffic Congestion: Bike lanes ease traffic, promoting smoother transportation flow for all. #SustainableMobility #BikeLanes #GreenCommute #ClimateAction

Car-Free Zones ++ [people oriented vibrant environments] Car-free zones are designated areas within cities where motor vehicles are restricted or completely prohibited. These zones can be found in busy urban centers, historic districts, parks, or public squares, promoting a pedestrian-first environment. The implementation of car-free zones has garnered increasing attention as cities look to enhance the quality of urban life. Without the presence of cars, the risk of accidents involving pedestrians greatly decreases. Car-free zones create a safer environment for walking, cycling, and other forms of non-motorized transport, encouraging more people to engage in outdoor activities.