Happy faces on cycling commuters
They're a happy, healthy lot at the West Perth offices of environmental consultants MBS Environmental.
And it's no coincidence that many of them ride, jog or walk to work. The company has a workplace scheme that encourages employees to use active and alternative forms of transport to and from work.
Under the scheme, points are awarded for different modes of travel - three points for cycling, running and walking, two points for public transport and one point for scooters, powered bikes and carpooling. Points are doubled in winter.
With each point worth 50c, employees can redeem them and buy health-related products and services and SmartRiders or make donations to charities.
MBS Environmental director and co-founder Lance Bosch said the response had been phenomenal, with about 15 of the company's 20 staff now involved.
"Previous cyclists are cycling more and there has been a take-up of new cyclists - as well as joggers, walkers and public transport users," Mr Bosch said. "At the office, there are definitely more healthy, happy looks on the faces of our cyclists and joggers."
MBS Environmental's offices also have showers and change rooms and the company has taken out personal injury insurance to cover staff for any injury incurred to or from work.
Mr Bosch, who rides about 25km to work each day, said the cost to the company was relatively small but very worthwhile. Last week, MBS Environmental won the innovation section of the biennial TravelSmart Awards.
Kent Acott
