Cycling to work 'can lead to a better transport policy'

Date: 2/8/2010

Employers who encourage their staff to cycle to work are contributing to a campaign for improved transport guidelines.

That is according to Philip Insall, Health Director at the sustainable transport charity Sustrans, who added that active commuting also contributes to cleaner air, lower carbon emissions and reduced congestion.

"A strong business voice for more cycling to work helps Sustrans and others to advocate for better transport policy," he said.

Mr Insall was commenting on the recent launch of the Cycle to Work Alliance, a government scheme to raise awareness of the health benefits of cycling.

The initiative encourages employers to loan bicycles to their staff and is part of the coalition government's drive to encourage active living as a preventative health measure.

At the alliance's opening ceremony, cyclist Chris Boardman emphasised the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily routines.

Mr Insall also remarked that cycling benefits individual health and saves the NHS money.

Posted by Nick Anderson