On the tenth anniversary of national Cycle to Work Day, M Group Services and its operating businesses are reminding people of the benefits of joining our Cycle to Work Scheme.
At M Group Services we put the health, safety and wellbeing of our people first. As part of this commitment, in 2021 we launched the Cycle to Work Scheme with the Green Commute Initiative (GCI). Since April last year, we’ve had three windows for people to sign up with almost 200 people being approved to join.
Nationally, the scheme has involved over 40,000 employers across the country and has contributed to help more than 1.6 million commuters cycle to work.
This method of transportation provides a healthier, cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to get to work benefitting not just the individual, but the whole community. It reduces congestion, improves air quality and creates more vibrant communities.
Cycling to work is a great opportunity to improve your health. The Department for Transport’s guidance for employers states inactivity can lead to many illnesses and costs the NHS up to £1 billion each year, so if possible, why not adopt cycling into your commute?
It releases endorphins in the body, improving your mood and making you feel energised. Regularly exercising can boost your immunity, improve heart health, aid balance and coordination and reduce blood pressure.
As well as physical health, exercise can also have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing. It can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression and help you sleep better.
Taking part in the scheme with GCI means our people can save more than a third on the cost of a new bicycle.
GCI is committed to being an inclusive scheme. This means, if you have mobility issues or additional support needs preventing you from riding a standard bicycle, then there are other options available to you. We also have access to e-bikes, cargo bikes and specialist cycles and trikes.
Emma Timberlake, Administrator at Morrison Telecom Services’ Dartford office takes part in the scheme. She said: “The scheme was a little gem I wasn’t aware of until an email came out about a new application window opening. I became conscious of how driving to work negatively affects the environment and my health, particularly as my office is only eight kilometres away from home.
“I couldn’t afford to purchase a decent bike so the scheme’s flexible terms made it the perfect fit. I began to use my bike every day and even took part in a few cycling events with my family on weekends. Cycling made me feel much better in myself and I lost two stone in weight. As well as this, I turned up for work feeling prepared and enjoyed some fantastic sights and experiences.”
