Last week The BBC contacted several businesses within Belfast, including Allstate Northern Ireland regarding their cycle to work scheme and promotion of a healthy workforce. Covering a story about targeting obesity in the workforce, Allstate was selected as a shining example amongst Belfast businesses of helping their staff stay in shape and offering alternative methods of transportation & commuting. Allstate NI, has taken advantage of the government's 'cycle to work' scheme to buy over 550 bikes for its staff and a secure cycle cage has also been built in a car park just meters from the entrance. With continual upgrades and safety features, the cage has cost thousands of pounds.
Managing director Bro McFerran spoke highly of the scheme and hopes there will soon be other incentives so companies can do more for their employees.
"They should also encourage employers to do the same thing by putting in showers and helping people who not only want to cycle in, but run in or walk in, and I think it is important that they do that as well,".
