Riding to work has never been easier

By Georgina Scambler

Docklands businesses are embracing sustainable transport and making it easier for employees to ride to work, City of Melbourne research has shown.

For the first time the Census of Land Use and Employment (CLUE) has investigated how many businesses provide facilities for bicycles.

The results showed that 26 Docklands buildings had under-cover facilities for 2136 bicycles. Sixteen of these buildings also had shower facilities.

Medibank Private’s Docklands office currently has secure parking for 95 bikes and showers on every floor, and is looking to provide even better facilities when it relocates in 2014.

Company secretary Steven Harris said Medibank encouraged employees to ride with MediBUG, a cycling group for employees, as well as subsidised riding gear.

“It’s an important part of Medibank’s mission for better health,” he said.

Mr Harris, who rides each day from Hawthorn, said riding to work had numerous benefits.

“It energises me in the morning and de-stresses me in the evening.”

Future Melbourne (Economic Development and Knowledge City) Committee Chair Cr Kevin Louey said providing facilities for cyclists was good for business.

“Employers who encourage their staff to cycle to work benefit from increased productivity as a result of improved fitness and mental health,” Cr Louey said.

The City of Melbourne last month also released an action plan outlining proposals to make Melbourne safer and more appealing to cyclists.

The draft Bicycle Plan 2012-2016 included as a high priority the need to upgrade the existing LaTrobe St bicycle route from Adderley St to Harbour Esplanade, improving linkages with Docklands.

Cr Louey said council had committed $5.6 million to extend bike lanes and improve safety for Melbourne’s cyclists.

Those keen to join the growing number of Docklands cyclists can head to the Docklands Ride to Work Community Breakfast on October 17.

The event will include free breakfast and coffee, plus the chance to have bikes checked by an expert bike mechanic and ID engraved by Victoria Police.

The community breakfast will run from 7am until 9.30am on the corner of Bourke St and Harbour Esplanade.