Cycling groups at work are a fantastic way to promote wellness, build camaraderie, and make commuting more enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting, setting up a cycling group at your workplace can encourage others to get involved, stay active, and foster a stronger sense of community. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started, but first…
What is a Cycling Group at Work?
Cycling groups at work, Bicycle User Groups (BUG) or even Cycling User Groups (CUG) are groups set up by enthusiasts in their workplaces to usually achieve a few common goals. BUGs are primarily there to encourage more people to cycle to work while making the activity more social and communal. They also serve as informal gatherings of people who share the same interest – cycling. Lastly, they usually campaign for better cycling infrastructure and end-of-trip facilities in the workplace, such as installing showers or other provisions that group members could benefit from.
How to Build a Cycling Group From the Ground Up?
Setting up a cycling group at your place of work isn’t as complicated as you might think. These groups are usually built on enthusiasm and a real passion for cycling, combined with some good organisational skills. Here are our suggestions on how to approach it.
Gauge Interest and Build Support
Start by assessing interest among your colleagues. You can do that with a mass e-mail, online surveys, informal conversations, or leaflets pointing to an initial interest meeting to determine how many people would like to join a cycling group. When approaching people, you might be surprised how many are already open to the idea or cycle on their own. However, for anyone who is on the fence but is interested, make sure to highlight the benefits of cycling regularly, like improved fitness and mental health, a chance to save on commuting costs, networking and team-building opportunities.
Once you have a core group, secure management support by explaining how a cycling group aligns with workplace wellness goals.
Organise a Meeting and Define the Group’s Purpose
As we said at the start, cycling groups generally have some goals in common. You may decide your group would be a commuting-only one or opt to cover all possible benefits of having an organised cycling club. Whatever your decision, it is a good idea to determine the focus of your cycling group from the start so new members know what to expect.
You can be a commute-only group with a regular schedule and a buddy system where more experienced members support less experienced ones in starting to bike to work. Your group can be focused on campaigning to improve your workplace’s cycling conditions, such as better and more secure bike storage racks or a shelter. You can have a social element where the group’s activities extend beyond work hours, and you organise weekend or after-work rides for leisure. Mix and match these elements to cater to your group dynamics.
You can decide all that at your first meet-up, which is good advice. We would say you should notify your employer about it. Once you’re at your meeting, get everyone’s contacts, share and discuss ideas about what you want from this group, and decide on an action plan.
Establish a Communication Hub
Enthusiasm alone will not be enough, and as we said at the start, organisational skills will be necessary. To keep everything organised and in one place, you should start by creating a centralised way of communication.
This can be a Slack channel or Microsoft Teams group, e-mail lists for ride updates and tips, or Facebook or WhatsApp groups for informal discussions. You can also use any other app or platform popular in your workplace as long as it is easy for all your members to access. Once you have it, this hub can be used to plan rides, share resources, and keep members engaged.
Plan Routes, Rides and a Buddy System
Once you have your communication in place, continue with choosing cycling routes that suit the group’s purpose and members’ skill levels. For commuting groups, map safe and efficient paths to the office. For social or fitness groups, plan scenic or challenging rides nearby. Use apps like Strava, Komoot, or Google Maps for route planning.
Start with beginner-friendly routes to ensure inclusivity and offer shorter or longer ride options. You might also check where people live to see if you can pair people up, ideally with varied skill levels, to do their morning commute together. This will help less experienced members gain the confidence to ride.
Organise Regular Events
Consistency is key to maintaining interest. If you let your group activities slump, people may lose interest, and all the momentum of starting an exciting new cycling group will easily die down. To avoid this, schedule regular rides, such as weekly commuter meet-ups where people ride to work together, monthly weekend rides where you can explore new routes as a group, and special events like charity bike rides or local cycling events. Remember to keep these activities as social as possible so it doesn’t feel like a chore or work for anyone.
Promote Cycling in the Workplace
To keep your group going and attract new members, you should actively promote it in the workplace. Make flyers and give them out in the office or pin them to an office noticeboard in the common area. If e-mailing everyone in the company is achievable, shoot a news letter to everyone to advertise the new group.
You can also clarify that you offer guidance for beginners on cycling and things like how to change a tyre. Share safety tips about helmets, lights and tools to always have on hand. Hold workshops on how to repair bikes and how to choose your route safely. You can brainstorm more ideas to be helpful to existing members and potential ones, which will help you both maintain interest and attract a new crowd. Remember to make the group welcoming to all skill levels by avoiding overly competitive environments and being open to feedback.
Advocate for Workplace Support
If campaigning for a better cycling environment is one of your goals, then to ensure long-term success, you should work with your employer early to secure support for cycling initiatives. This might include installing bike racks, showers, and lockers or offering incentives for cycling, such as rewards for miles ridden or discounts on bike gear. You could also host “Bike to Work Day” events to raise awareness or join a Cycle to Work Scheme.
Setting up a workplace cycling group is a rewarding and achievable initiative that can foster wellness, team bonding, and a healthier commuting culture. Whether the focus is on encouraging regular commuting, organising social rides, or advocating for better infrastructure, a workplace cycling group offers a myriad of benefits for both employees and employers.
You can lay the foundation for a successful group by following some simple steps. Regular events, route planning, and offering guidance for new cyclists ensure inclusivity and engagement. At the same time, workplace promotions and advocacy for better cycling facilities can help sustain the group’s momentum and expand its impact.
Ultimately, a cycling group at work is more than just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about creating a healthier, more connected, and energised workplace. Whether for fitness, mental well-being, or simply to enjoy a new form of commuting, cycling groups bring colleagues together, promote a sense of community, and contribute to a sustainable, positive work culture.