Citybike today officially launched its Corporate & Business offer in the heart of Liverpool’s Commercial District.
The city’s cycle hire scheme will offer businesses a special match funded membership to enable them to provide low carbon, convenient transport for employees across the city.
One of the first organisations to sign up was the Liverpool BID Company. Attending the launch to support citybike, chief executive Bill Addy said: “Citybike has brought a brilliant new dimension to getting around Liverpool city centre.
“Many businesses will see a huge benefit from the scheme as it can cut times going to meetings and also give employees a real healthy boost to their daily routines. Liverpool is a fascinating city to explore by bike and we’ll be encouraging all our BID members to sign up and get moving!”
Also attending the launch were law firm Brabners. Senior Associate Solicitor Adrian Rogers said: “We were delighted to be invited to attend the launch of Citybike and are really interested in getting involved in the business and corporate scheme on offer.”
To encourage businesses to offer citybike as an alternative to pool cars for inner-city business travel, the Corporate & Business offer match funds investment by businesses.
For each citybike a company wants to access they can purchase a smartcard for £3 and travel then costs £1 per hour of use. Under the scheme citybike will double the time investment however, so if a business pre-pays £50, citybike will make it £100, giving each company double the usage.
citybike is commissioned by Liverpool City Council and operated by Hourbike. Also attending the launch were Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Transport and Climate Change and Cllr Gary Millar, Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise & Investment.
Cllr Millar said that helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint and save money without sacrificing convenience gave the Corporate & Business offer a unique appeal for Liverpool firms.
“citybike Corporate & Business is a great idea,” he said. “In Liverpool we have a thriving business community but one that recognises the value of social responsibility and the environment.
“By making citybike part of your business transport mix your employees can enjoy health benefits, you reduce your carbon footprint, retain the convenience of swift cross-city travel and save money.”
Cllr Kennedy said he believed the offer would make it easier for businesses to actively support efforts to improve the city environment as well as helping employees improve their health.
“Liverpool is a thriving city for business,” he said. “If business takes the lead on cycling by taking advantage of this new offer it could spearhead a cultural change in the city.
“We all know cycling offers health and environmental benefits. Improved wellness and fitness for employees will directly benefit business and by encouraging cycling through the scheme, companies can also contribute to improving the environment in which their employees live.”
There are now more than 130 stations, 680 cycles in circulation
For more information on citybike locations and memberships please visit http://www.citybikeliverpool.co.uk/
***Image caption***
citybike Business launch: (l-r) Jon Shields of Brabners, Cllr Gary Millar, Eleanor Markey of Brabners, Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, Liverpool BID Company chief executive Bill Addy, Brabners’ Adrian Rogers and Liverpool City Council cycling officer Karen Stevens launch citybike’s Corporate & Business offer.
