Staff at a Leamington law firm have signed a pledge to make more journeys to work by bike and foot – and will be competing against other Warwickshire companies to see who can clock up the most cycling miles.
More than 20 staff at Wright Hassall have made the promise as part of a new partnership with Warwickshire County Council in support of their newly-launched #JustOneJourney initiative.
The scheme aims to encourage more residents to adopt active travel by making small steps, starting with a single journey that they would usually make by car.
Wright Hassall is one of two pilot companies in Warwickshire who have joined the scheme, with staff taking part in the friendly competition next month for Cycle September.
The firm will also be hosting free pop-up repair shops for staff in September to keep bikes in shape.
Corporate partner Robert Lee, one of Wright Hassall’s team heading up their environmental, social and governance initiative, said: “It’s great to be involved in this new scheme.
“I’m a keen cyclist and enjoy getting out and about with my three sons, particularly when on holiday, but we could all do a bit more in our day-to-day lives to cut down on car journeys.
“I’ll be saddling up once or twice a week from now on, cycling six miles to work and back.
“While only a small change, it’s important to encourage a more active lifestyle and also recognise that we all need take a more proactive stance towards the environment in which we live for now and the future.”
Cllr Heather Timms, Portfolio Holder at Warwickshire County Council for Environment, Climate and Culture, said: “I’m delighted that we are working with Wright Hassall on our #JustOneJourney campaign.
“Walking or cycling has been proven to be good for our physical and mental health as well as the environment and it also makes financial sense to cut down on car journeys.
“We are having some great conversations with the Wright Hassall team about how best to promote active travel as an alternative to single-occupancy vehicles.
“So over the next 12 months, we will be delivering a number of events to support the organisation’s active travel journey and look forward to seeing how Wright Hassall make their #JustOneJounrey change.”
Caption: Wright Hassall partner Robert Lee (centre) with Warwick District Council Safe and Active Travel Officers Sam Gehin (left) and Tim Snazell (right)