3 minute read
One4All
Pedalling into Post-Pandemic Commuting
As climate action has become a critical focus globally, it is imperative to consider the steps we can take as individuals to work towards a sustainable, greener future. Vehicular transport is currently responsible for over 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland1, with cycling generating less than one-tenth of the emissions that driving produces2 . Not only is switching your commute to cycling a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, it is also a great way to save money, improve your health, and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
A nationally representative survey of 1,000 adults aged 18+ years carried out by Coyne Research showed 85% of Irish adults were concerned about public transport due to the pandemic and 60% of working adults responded they would change their commuting habits. Half of working Millennial and Gen Z adults in Ireland said they are more likely to cycle to work following the COVID-19 outbreak.
CYCLE TO WORK Thanks to improved legislation, those looking to upgrade their commute with Cyclescheme can purchase bikes and accessories up to the value of €1,250, and e-bikes up to €1,500, through salary sacrifi ce. This new legislation combined with the Government’s commitment to providing new bikeways nationwide demonstrate an apparent focus on encouraging people to start or return to cycling, and employers are increasingly aware.
“We are already reporting a 30% increase in employees availing of our cycle to work scheme, and interestingly, we’ve seen an increase in the value of bikes being attained, showing people are serious about their commitment to cycling as their commute of choice where possible, when workplaces resume to normal”, said Ronan Kieran, Business Development Manager for One4all Rewards, and project lead for Cyclescheme.
ECO EFFICIENCY Moving away from plastic cards, Cyclescheme provides an eco-effi cient e-code solution for employers and employees alike which improves effi ciencies from placing an order to receipt of a bike. The scheme brings with it an increase in the number of retailers—now over 300—for those looking to invest in a bike as transport for work, as well as their health.
“Employee mental health and wellness will continue to be a focus for most businesses. Cyclescheme can play a role in this as a cost-effective way to promote wellness awareness.”
Cyclescheme presents a more fl uid, online platform where employers can track, review, and approve employee applications, and apply salary sacrifi ce agreements and payroll adjustments via a centralised and business-customised software platform, MyScheme. Additional features include customisable marketing collateral, for example, posters and email templates.
“One4all continues to champion Irish retail. If employers request a local retailer to be part of our Cyclescheme community, we encourage this support.”
One4all continues to lead the rewards and incentives sector, backed by parent company Blackhawk Network, with market-leading products like Cyclescheme, and a world-fi rst with the One4all Digital Gift Card.
For more information, visit cyclescheme.ie.
1. Environmental Protection Agency (2021) Greenhouse gas emissions and projections, Available at: https:// www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring-assessment/climate-change/ghg/ (Accessed: 9th August 2021).
2. Seb Stott (2020) How green is cycling? Riding, walking, ebikes and driving ranked, Available at: https:// www.bikeradar.com/features/longreads/cycling-environmental-impact/ (Accessed: 9th August 2021).
