Property consultancy Alder King has bought two electric bikes for use by staff as part of its legacy from Bristol’s year as European Green Capital.
Employees at its Clifton head office will use the cycles as an alternative to their cars for local appointments and property viewings, helping reduce the firm’s carbon footprint and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
With a number of keen cyclists among its staff, the company had considered buying conventional bikes. But its involvement in Business Green Week in June brought the idea to fruition.
Partner James Chaffer said: “There is a strong cycling culture at Alder King, with many of us commuting to work from across Bristol and surrounding areas.
“It was perhaps inevitable therefore that one of the ideas that came out of our Business Green Week was that we should purchase electric bikes for local appointments and meetings.”
The firm was advised by Atmosphere Bikes on Jacobs Wells Road, which allowed staff to test out different models.
“The ease with which we cycled up Park Street convinced us that this was a viable option for all staff, whatever their previous cycling experience and fitness levels,” said James.
Alder King chose two Gazelle Orange C8 bikes from Atmosphere Bikes which have now been branded with the company’s distinctive green logo and fitted with large green panniers for carrying files.
Staff have also received specialist cycle training from Life Cycle, a Bristol charity that gives people the skills and confidence to cycle around the city. Life Cycle UK works across Bristol enabling people of all ages and abilities to cycle by offering practical support, which includes training to the National Standards for Cycling.
The national standards are now well established, in part thanks to Life Cycle which was a key member of the early working group that developed them back in 2004.
Life Cycle Training Manager Jacqui Wilcox said: “We were really pleased to support Alder King staff by providing training. Training can really improve people’s confidence and give them the boost they need to get out on their bikes more.
“Life Cycle normally trains children to cycle in primary schools across Bristol and North Somerset, but we are seeing more and more interest from local companies who can’t offer staff parking anymore and need to find cheaper and more sustainable ways for the employees to get around.”
James Chaffer added: “We’re delighted that we and the bikes are now ready to get out on the road. There is a strong willingness from individuals across the business to start using the bikes and play their part in reducing city centre congestion and air pollution.
“We’ll also be monitoring the mileage of the bikes over the coming months so we can calculate our green miles and will report our findings during next year’s Business Green Week.”
Pictured: James Chaffer and Lucy Round of Alder King’s Bristol office on the bikes
