Workers told ‘on yer bikes’ for staff trips

The habits of days past will return to Cork’s County Hall as staff prepare to get on their bikes for short, work-related trips.

Pedal power is being resurrected in a pilot scheme at the country’s largest local authority.

Cork County Council will initially make four bicycles available to staff.

If the scheme is successful, the council will consider purchasing more bicycles, not only at their headquarters, but at other offices throughout the sprawling coastal county.

A council spokesman said employees will also be able to take the bicycles out for “a leisurely spin at lunchtimes” and, on occasions, they will be allowed to use them to commute to and from work.

A spokesman said it was not a cost-cutting measure, but was part of the local authority’s commitment “to promoting and facilitating sustainable travel”.

“In its role as an employer and continuing to fulfil commitments made during European Mobility Week, the council has advanced a number of measures aimed at facilitating sustainable transportation choices by its staff,” said the spokesman. He added that the council has also installed two electric car-charging points in County Hall and would look at making them available at its other offices.

“This will facilitate people who are already using electric vehicles and may encourage others to do the same,” the spokesman said.

“The council is also actively supporting car-sharing and has made three dedicated car-sharing parking spaces available close to the eastern entrance to County Hall. The priority parking spaces can be used by drivers who have car-shared on that day.”

Meanwhile, the council said monthly Bus Éireann taxsaver tickets will be made available for its 2,000-plus employees to purchase from June to August “to facilitate staff who wish to trial the use of the ticket”.

Finally, as part of the sustainable transport moves, bus timetables will be permanently available on the council’s intranet for staff.

“Ultimately, the council wants to facilitate lifestyle change that is demonstrated to improve economic competitiveness, enhance social inclusion, support a healthier population, improve the urban landscape and reduced emissions and costs associated with the dominant use of private vehicles,” the spokesman said.