July 6, 2007
Green Transportation Company Bans Employees From Biking To Work
Jacobs Engineering Group, A UK firm which, among other services, advises on green transport, has sent an email to employees banning them from biking to work and advising them to drive or use public transportation instead to avoid accidents, BBC reports.
On its website, Jacobs states: “In the area of cycling, we can offer expert resources at every stage from cycle policy and promotion through to the detailed design and implementation of cycle schemes.”
Jacobs advises Transport for London on sustainable transport. One London Assembly member, who advises the mayor on green transport, said TfL should consider cancelling its contracts with Jacobs. “It is hypocritical to offer advice on promoting cycling, but at the same time ban your staff from using bikes,” she said.
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Reader Comments
This does seem ironic, if not hypocritical. However, the article is very short. Perhaps the company is located in a place it would be unsafe to access by bike. Or perhaps they are trying to distance themselves from lawsuits brought by peope injured while cycle commuting? Some follow-up would be good here.
Dave Wade | July 6th, 2007
Perhaps they should ban their employees who drive to work from driving their cars and making it so dangerous for their employees that bike. Now that would send a constructive message.If my employer forced me to give up my bike and made me drive or take transit, I sure would make sure my employer paid for every cent of my forced commute mode. I would also start looking for a job with another company.
CHRIS WEEKS | July 7th, 2007
This is a major fail for the company. On one hand, I can understand that they are trying to promote safety for their workers, but they should then talk about safe ways of getting to work by bike. On the other hand, they are promoting cycling as a means of transportation – are they mentioning the safety hazards lurking behind the corners in the campaign or not?
In any case, I also agree with both Dave and Chris above. Being green should not mean being biased.
Lorne Marr | August 14th, 2010