On Monday 22nd September, drivers around the world will be ditching their cars for the day, and opting for an alternative form of transport to get around. World Car Free Day aims to reduce the amount of motorists on the roads, reduce air pollution, and demonstrate what the world could be like if everyone chose different forms of transport all year round.
According to the World Health Organisation, ‘in 2012 around 7 million people died - one in eight of total global deaths - as a result of air pollution exposure’. And according to the Healthy Air Campaign, ‘car drivers were exposed to more than 3 times the amount of air pollution as a person walking the same busy route, and 5 times more than a cyclist.’
World Car Free Day is promoting different ways of getting to work that are more sustainable, and result in less air pollution. Walking and cycling (electric and non-electric alike) are both zero-emission forms of transport, and can improve both physical and mental health.
Using public transport is also a more sustainable form of travel than using a car. Whilst buses and trains do produce emissions, according to Net Zero Nation, ‘replacing car journeys with public transport can help reduce CO2 emissions by 42% if using the bus and 73% if travelling by train’.
How can businesses help?
Businesses can support their employees’ efforts to reduce air pollution by taking part in World Car Free Day, and promoting alternative ways of getting to work. The Cycle to Work Scheme is a great way to encourage staff to ditch their cars in favour of a bike instead. There are a few major providers of the scheme include Evans Cycles, Ride to Work and Halfords.
Wannabee cyclists can buy their bicycle and protective gear through their employer, and pay for the purchase monthly through a salary sacrifice agreement. Not only does this help the planet, it also reduces the amount of tax and national insurance employees’ pay, meaning that they’re able to save money in the long run.
In the North East, businesses can also encourage their employees to use public transport through the Corporate Metro Season Ticket. Employers can purchase the discounted annual season ticket through Nexus, and like the Cycle to Work Scheme, employees pay for the purchase monthly through a salary sacrifice agreement.
The Corporate Metro Season Ticket can include the Metro, trains on the Newcastle to Sunderland line, trains on the Northumberland Line, the Shields Ferry and even some bus services.
Whilst both the Cycle to Work Scheme and the Corporate Metro Season Ticket are designed to get staff to work without using their cars, employees can reap the benefits on their days off too.
How can businesses sign up?
Organisations that are interested in joining the Cycle to Work Scheme or the Corporate Metro Season ticket can start their applications online. Once they have registered with the scheme, businesses can then list these benefits on their website, on their social media accounts and within their job adverts for prospective employees.
