Should employers offer incentives to bicycle commuters?

January 31st, 2010

In this day and age of rising health insurance costs, employee and their family member's illnesses due to lack of physical exercise, and other costs such as the general costs associated with parking maintenance, etc., should employers become more proactive regarding issues like bicycling that will in the end save them money? For instance, an employer could install a couple of showers for bicycle commuters / exercisers, a modest locker area, cycle racks, have a bike to work day, create contests, etc. ... much more.
It is implied that the facilities would be handicapped accessible and that the programs would encourage handicapped individuals ( handcycles for instance ) and encourage and inform all age groups about the benefits of exercise to improve health thus preventing the implication of discrimination for these reasons.

'http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/files/raam2006/riders/team_wheelchair.html'

no i don’t believe companies should have any sort of incentive, your health should be incentive enough, but i do believe maybe the government should some sort of tax break, but i bet it probably already exists
I think this is a wonderful idea!!
Yes, but good luck finding one unless you are a currier
well, you do benefit if you dont pay for your car insurance… you can think about it that way. But because of corporate takeover bikes are becoming less popular. It is an interesting idea..

parking lots are expensive, so less cars means more money for the company…
nice thought. it will never happen. maybe they could work at a gym.
I think that employers should offer incentives to employees that wish to stay healthy. There was a company that I worked at that offered a gym and showers to people who wish to use it (free of charge). They also offered payback for employees that did not call in due to illness that could have been prevented. Such as a cold or flu. I feel it it an excellent idea and could promote better work environment.
I think it’s a great idea. Some people may dislike the incentives for the simple fact that they will never commute via bicycle.
No. Everyone has there own form of getting to work irregardless of the price of gas. We all make our own decissions about getting to work .The employer should be happy when you show up .That’s why you get paid.If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.
I think anything people do to answer the rising gas cost should be rewarded
I’m sure that such a program would be considered discriminatory against those who can not bike to work for age or physical reasons – for example, the handicapped, or seniors – or those who live too far away for biking to be practical.