Businesses Embracing Bicycle Safety (BEBS)

Bicycle Federation of WIMadison, WIwww.bfw.org

Goals: To increase safe bicycle use and to

increase knowledge of bicycle safety among employees at major

employers in the Madison area

BEBS Implements 3 goals of National Strategies for Advancing Bicycle Safety • Bicyclists will ride safely

• Bicyclists will wear helmets

• Motorists will share the road

Components of BEBS•Education for adults at employer

-Classes, articles-Bike Safety, Health Promotion, Alt.

Transportation, Family Bicycling •Facilities•Measurement tool

-Pre, post and control surveys

•Toolkit-Provided to each site for ease of replication

Educational Component

• Classes: convenient location, time, and length

• Variety of class topics• Newsletter articles• Bulletin board displays

Facilities

•Identify existing facilities at each site

•Highlight where lacking•Plan improvements•Implementation

Measurement

Contact for further detail: Ali Dwyer at ali@bfw.org

Bicycle Federation of WI: 608-251-4456

ToolkitMaterials: •Executive Summary•Bicycle maps of City and County•Safety fact sheets•Local and statewide bicycling information,•Commuting information/class materials•Resources list• Bikesense booklet, and more

Relationships with Employers

What makes a good partner?

• Initial interest and willingness • Internal communication system• Established and ongoing wellness

initiatives• Location • Adequate facilities • Someone on the inside who makes

the connection

Partners• CUNA Mutual Group *• Marshall Erdman and Assoc. *• City of Madison• WI Dept of Natural Resources• Capital Newspapers* Highlighted in more detail

CUNA Mutual Group• Provider of financial

services to CUs and their members

• Excellent facilities

CUNA Mutual Group• 3000 Employees • Corporate Health Promotions Dept.--Corporate commitment to employee health and fitness• Motivated volunteer help

• Location• www.bfw.org

Marshall Erdman and Associates

• Design and build firm• 300 Employees• BTWW participants• Excellent facilities• Active employees

Implement a similar program

• Use existing contacts• Start with easy targets• Develop materials• Use local sponsors

Looking for an “IN”Human Resources departmentHealth promotionParking/transportation Education coordinator

Encourage attendance 1. Cross check schedules for

conflicting events 2. Post announcements

prominently 3. Frequent reminders 4. Free food or raffle prizes

Bikes are fun!

Ali Dwyer, Project CoordinatorBicycle Federation of WIMadison, WI