The county and city council are supporting businesses to encourage their employees to walk and cycle to and from work.
Up to £5,000 in grants is available to businesses through the Access Fund, which focuses on supporting active and sustainable travel in the west of Leicester and neighbouring areas of the county.
The scheme has already helped businesses to benefit from training programmes for community cycle champions, as well as funding to provide electric charging points, repair stands and cycle pumps, parking spaces, maintenance courses and equipment for pool bike schemes.
Supporting local businesses to improve their travel choices for employees is an important part of encouraging sustainable travel across the county. The grants give businesses an opportunity to develop facilities to promote more sustainable travel for their staff
Person:Blake Pain, cabinet member for environment and highways
Deputy city mayor, Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment for Leicester City Council, said: “We’re continuing to invest in improvements to routes in the city, making them more cycle and pedestrian-friendly. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to choose more sustainable forms of transport and this initiative is a key part of that aim.”
Both the county and city council recognise that promoting travel options can reduce pressures on car parking, tackle congestion, improve health and reduce stress.
Studies also show that employees who actively travel to work are healthier, happier and more productive.
To find out whether your business is eligible for a grant or to discuss what types of initiatives could benefit your staff, contact the Choose How You Move team on 0116 3053331 or email choosehowyoumove@leics.gov.uk
Check whether your business falls within the fund area.