WITH its own cycling club, sustainable travel is more of a way of life than an initiative at York-based Shepherd Group.
The famiy run firm based in Huntington, which is made up of three divisions including Portakabin, promotes sustainable travel to its 1,500 employees across fives sites in the city as part of its bid to minimise environmental pollution.
The company launched a 'cycle to work' scheme in 2010 and now the company bike 'fleet' is growing faster than the car fleet.
In 2013, the Shepherd Group started working collaboratively with York iTravel. Successful road shows were organised on major sites to help employees explore alternative travel options.
At the beginning of this year the company provided financial assistance to a band of enthusiasts who wanted to start a Cycle Club.
This year the club organised the York Cycle Challenge entry. For the first time all the Shepherd sites in York entered the competition.
While Portakabin won the overall competition, yet again, there was delight among staff at the Monk Cross head office at coming 11th out of 106, while Shepherd's Built Environment came 10th in the largest employer section.
Looking forward the group is planning to place 'THINK BIKE' signs on all company vehicles and provide free helmets to all new cycle to work applicants.
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