Bath-based international engineering consultancy Buro Happold has been named as the most cycle-friendly employer in the West of England in the Travelwest Sustainable Business Travel Awards.
The firm’s Bath office – one of the largest of its 25 around the world – has achieved a 50% increase in staff cycling to and from work over the past year.
The annual awards showcase organisations that go the extra mile to help tackle the area’s transport problems. Other innovative organisations from the Bath area championed at the awards ceremony were social housing firm Curo, the Royal United Hospital and the University of Bath. 
A huge range of ideas were nominated for awards, from policeman on bikes to fire brigade staff in electric cars, along with car sharing, walking and better scheduling for deliveries.
The Royal United Hospital’s efforts to deal with significant challenges in the provision of parking for patients and staff were highlighted at the awards ceremony, which took place at Bath’s Guildhall.
The University of Bath’s Dr Ian Walker spoke about new walking route initiatives for the city being pioneered by the university. Dr Walker is based in the university’s psychology department and specialises in traffic, transport and environmental behaviours.
Bath & North East Somerset Council cabinet member for transport Caroline Roberts, who spoke at the event, said: “We are delighted to have played host to this awards event which showcased some of the innovative ways organisations in the West are tackling travel issues.
“We know the importance of practical solutions to travel problems so that we can make our area the place to live, work and visit. Encouraging sustainable solutions are an essential part of this area’s efforts to create the conditions for business growth and new jobs for local people.
“I congratulate all the nominees and winners on the diverse and imaginative ideas they have come up with. I will certainly be looking closely to see which we might be able to apply.”
The West of England (the partnership between Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset councils) has led the way in developing a travel plan awards scheme since introducing the awards in 2001 as a showcase for good practice of travel planning.
