Cycling to Work? 5 Offices That Will Simplify Your Commute

As businesses return to the office, some employees are nervous about commuting while the Covid-19 virus continues to exist among the population. 

For those who don’t feel comfortable on public transport, cycling to work has become a popular option. But employers will need an office that complements this trend.

Are we becoming a nation of cyclists?

At the start of lockdown, Britain’s biggest cycle retailer, Halfords, reported a 500% jump in sales on selected cycling equipment. Meanwhile, cycle-to-work schemes (which offer tax benefits to employees buying bicycles and equipment) have seen sales double. And in June, there were reports across the country of demand outstripping supply with dealers unable to fulfil orders until 2021. 

And demand is likely to keep on rising. On July 28, Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined a £2 billion plan to kickstart the cycling and walking revolution: “By helping to fix your bike – or get an electrically powered one; by increasing storage space at stations, on trains and buses; and by introducing more ways to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe, we’re making it easier than ever to make active travel part of your daily life, and leading England to become a great cycling nation.”

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On July 28, Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined a £2 billion plan to kickstart the cycling and walking revolution.

Will cycling to work become the new commute?

While some of us are eager to jump back into the office, others are nervous – especially when it comes to the commute. In a study by Bupa Health Clinics which surveyed 2,000 employees, 38% of respondents listed the ‘spread of Covid-19 while commuting’ as a concern.

Avoiding public transport and choosing to walk or cycle to work can help mitigate that risk. As the PM explained: “Cycling and walking have a huge role to play in tackling some of the biggest health and environmental challenges that we face”.

But a cycling commute needs to end at the right kind of office – one that’s ideally near dedicated Cycleways, but also features showers, bike racks and additional perks to help you feel fresh and ready for the day. 

If you’re looking for an office that facilitates your employees’ cycling commute, we’ve narrowed down a list of five options for you based on their amenities, discounts and locations.

Did you know?

Cycleways are dedicated cycling routes that connect London’s communities and businesses. According to TFL, there will be 450 km of new Cycleways by 2024. You can plan your commute using the TFL Cycle Map.

5 offices that will make cycling to work easier

WeWork members benefit from an annual discount on Santander Cycles.

WeWork’s 123 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria

123 Buckingham Palace Road puts you right in the heart of Victoria. The six-storey building offers sweeping common areas, beautiful conference rooms, and sleek private offices.

For cycling to work: First and foremost, WeWork members benefit from an annual discount on Santander Cycles. The office also has showers, secure bike storage, 24-hour security and locker storage. In terms of Cycleways, Cycle Superhighway 3 runs through St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace Garden, and there is also a Quietway Link between Hyde Park and Belgravia.

Many of The Argyll Club’s offices are no further than 200 metres away from a Santander Cycle docking station.

The Argyll Club’s Octagon Point, St Paul’s

This contemporary office space in the City of London has floor-to-ceiling windows and a 360-degree view of London’s skyline, including St Paul's Cathedral.

For cycling to work: Octagon Point offers secure bike storage to safely park your bike, as well as showers to cool off and freshen up in. As St Paul’s sits between two Cycleways, the C6 Cycleway and the Q11 Quietway, you’ll be spoilt for choice when picking your route. Plus, many of The Argyll Club’s offices are no further than 200 metres away from a Santander Cycle docking station, so if you’re struggling to get your hands on a bike, you’re not out of options.​

Huckletree West's locker rooms include showers, toilets, lockers and even Dyson hair dryers.

Huckletree West, The Media Works, White City

Huckletree West is famed for its trendy and vibrant interiors. This west London workspace is ideal for those wanting to boost creativity and productivity, but it also has a meditation tent for that much-needed downtime.

For cycling to work: Huckletree West has a large basement bike storage facility that only access card holders can use, ensuring your bike is locked away safely. The storage leads off into locker rooms with showers, toilets, lockers and even Dyson hair dryers. Just a few minutes away, the nearest Cycleway is Quietway 2.

Canvas offers a bespoke service to suit the needs of individual businesses – from private bike storage in your office to lockers.

Canvas’ 35 Luke Street, Shoreditch

Not only is 35 Luke Street fully equipped with high-end technology, but the trendy east London office space has been dreamed-up by award-winning designers.

For cycling to work: 35 Luke Street features a private bike rack, CCTV, a ramp into the building, showers and towel rails (so you don’t have to return to a soggy towel). Plus, the office is near plenty of great cafes and eateries for a post-cycle snack. Canvas also offers a bespoke service to suit the needs of individual businesses – whether that be private bike storage in your office or lockers to store your clothes in.

41 Old Street is well-connected to Cycleways – especially to Quietway 11 and Cycle Superhighway 1.

The Space’s 41 Old Street, Shoreditch

A stone’s throw away from London’s Silicon Roundabout, 41 Old Street embodies the stylish spirit of the area, with colourful offices and a large roof terrace.

For cycling to work: 41 Old Street has showers, secure bike storage, lockers, CCTV and 24-hour access. Barbican and Old Street underground stations are a short walk away, and the area is well-connected to Cycleways – especially to Quietway 11 and Cycle Superhighway 1.