Case Study MetService
Staff at the MetService in Wellington set up a BUG (Bicycle Users' Group) in 2002.
Forecaster Paul Bruce said that 13 regular cyclists at the Kelburn office responded positively to the call for a BUG.
Because the majority of staff are shift workers, several meetings had to be held. These meetings were followed by a wider survey on key issues, such as the best location for cycle storage, size of lockers and a place to dry wet gear.
Win-win situation for staff and business
Paul said the group were inspired by the information on similar groups set up overseas. "The only real way to get employers to do something practical for cyclists and walkers is to show them that you have the numbers and that it's in the business' interest to support staff who choose to not use cars."
Paul has been biking up the hill to the Kelburn office for 30 years and says that it has really made a difference to his well-being, fitness and alertness. He says that it takes 20 minutes to bike from his home to the office. Sometimes Paul chooses to bike through a park to get that "away from town feeling". When he wants a full-on workout, he rides via the off-road tracks that surround Wellington.
However, Paul says that cyclists shouldn't be frightened by the traffic in town. "It can be fun. It's just a matter of getting used to traffic and anticipating the way they will react to you."
Paul hopes that more staff will join the new BUG, as they are encouraged by more cycle friendly facilities.
Updated | 23 Mar 2007.
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