Numerous measures and campaigns convince testers

The car is still the most popular mode of transport for travelling to work. However, there are several reasons why cycling is a good alternative: it is environmentally friendly, reduces car traffic and is also good for your own health. Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences would like to encourage its students and employees to switch to bicycles. Covered parking facilities, company outings and a self-help workshop are intended to make cycling more attractive.  For these and other measures, it has now been awarded the silver "Bicycle-Friendly Employer" certificate by the German Cyclists' Federation (ADFC) - the first company in Bremerhaven to do so. 

"Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences supports employees who cycle to work with various measures. This brings many advantages: The employer can score points in terms of company health, environmental and mobility management," says Sara Tsudome, project manager at the ADFC Federal Association. The measures were assessed in various fields of action, such as infrastructure, services and information opportunities. 

The Rector of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr Dr Alexis Papathanassis, welcomes the mobility management initiative: "As an educational and scientific institution, we see ourselves as a role model for sustainable measures that promote climate neutrality. This also includes creating the framework conditions for environmentally friendly mobility. It is also important to us to promote the health of our employees and students and thus become an even more attractive employer and place to study. I would like to thank our colleagues for their great commitment."

In recent years, the university has created a bicycle-friendly infrastructure. A total of more than 160 bicycle racks and covered parking spaces are located directly on campus - and therefore mostly closer to the buildings than the car park. Lockable compartments can be used to charge e-bike batteries and safely store cycling clothing and accessories. "A special feature is the pin code lock system, which allows users to open and lock their locker with a personalised code," says Tugba Dön, Mobility Officer at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. 

If the chain comes off, the bike has a flat tyre or other minor repairs are needed, the university offers "help for self-help". The "BikeBox" workshop container has the right tools for such cases. On three days, student assistants and members of the ADFC provide support with minor repairs. Individual appointments can be made if required. Video instructions will soon be available on the website. There are also other offers, such as the Bike Check Day, which was offered for the first time in September 2023 in cooperation with Bremerhaven City Council, the ADFC and the Bremerhaven Climate Protection Workshop. 

But it's not just the infrastructure that is bike-friendly. The university has been taking part in the "ABC Challenge" since 2022. Every kilometre cycled counts - whether for business or pleasure. "University members have the opportunity to form their own teams according to their departments or degree programmes. This encourages competition between the different teams, especially during the campaign month, to cycle more," says Dön. Mobility Management also organises regular bike tours for employees and students and has equipped the university's own fleet with company bikes. These can be borrowed by employees for small errands. 

According to the ADFC, there are many benefits for companies if they encourage their employees to switch to cycling. Regular exercise has been proven to improve health and increase motivation. Those who cycle to work have on average a third fewer sick days and a lower risk of infection. Bicycle-friendly measures contribute to corporate environmental management and are an essential part of sustainable mobility management - because employee mobility is also part of the carbon footprint. And according to the ADFC, attractive cycling offers also count in the competition for skilled labour.