AECOM is a global engineering business. Read here about how their Christchurch office move focused on encouraging more of their people onto bikes.
After the earthquake in 2013, AECOM moved to an office with ample parking. Everyone was driving to work.
In 2014, they knew they would be moving back into the CBD and parking would be limited and expensive. They launched a travel survey to find out employees current travel systems, and what they wanted to be able to do once back in the city.
“We found that out of an office of 100, 40 said they would like to be able to cycle to work.”
A year after the move (2015), their 2nd travel survey showed that 30% had cycled to work at least once or twice. It also found that lots of staff were cycling to meetings with clients, often several times a day. Because of the roadworks following the earthquake, it was usually quicker and easier.
“Around this time key individuals started organising recreational rides, starting with lunchtime road rides, then after work mountain bike rides. These involved everyone from newbies to hardcore cyclists.
It’s now quite a tradition to enter AECOM teams into different races every year, e.g. the 2014 charity race from Wellington to Auckland, plus local races such as the 6/12 hour events.”
CloseThe surveys provided the evidence to justify investing in things like showers and facilities. It showed what staff wanted, what they were doing and what would help them to do more.
“There needs to be a mix of both bottom up and top down commitment. There has to be the will there from the staff in order to justify the investment from above, and this is greatly helped by enthusiastic individuals. “
CloseAs with any large organisation, health and safety is a key priority to get right.
“The Christchurch office has the highest number of cycle commuters (compared to other AECOM NZ offices) and the staff are actively engaged in the H&S conversations. Their energy, focus and knowledge on cycling related H&S makes them one of the most active and knowledgeable office on the topic, out of a few hundred AECOM offices across the world.”
CloseIn 2016, their third travel survey showed that 50% are now cycling at least every now and then. It’s growing!
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Anne Vogt
“I realised that the mindset of my whole family had shifted.”
Annie and family moved from Colorado to Christchurch in 2014. They left behind three cars for two drivers, and average commutes of 30-60 minutes.
“We made a conscious decision to settle close to the school our girls attend, and that was the beginning of our transition to becoming a cycling family.”
Annie commutes to AECOM by bike, travelling mostly on a bike path along the railroad tracks and the full length of Hagley Park.
“The pleasure of riding through Hagley has become a true highlight of my day. I do find myself a fair-weather fan and the rain/wind leaves me grumpy as I head out of the door. However, usually by the time I have crossed the park in my wet weather gear I’m feeling happy to be on my bike.”
Close“Over time my family and I began to cycle more to include weekend sports, church and the occasional grocery shop.
The “ah-ha” moment occurred when my daughter and I were cooking and needed a missing ingredient. We headed out and discovered my husband washing the car. I was frustrated (overlooking the obvious nice gesture of the car wash), and my 7 year old daughter said “Lets just go on our bikes”. It was then that I realised how the mindset of our whole family had shifted.”
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Cycle journey beginning: 2014
By 2016: 50% cycle at least every now and then
Top tip: Regular surveys give evidence to justify investment
Focus: Engaging staff, wellness
