Goodman makes tracks to get occupiers on their bikes at Oxford Business Park
22 June 2011
Local businesses at Oxford Business Park, embraced pedal power today in a bid to rethink their everyday journeys, as part of National Bike Week 2011 (18th to 26th June), the UK’s biggest annual promotion of cycling.
The event, organised by leading property group Goodman, which owns, develops and manages most of the Park, encouraged customers based at the Park to ride to work and featured performances by Europe’s leading mountain bike stunt display team M.A.D (Mountain Bike Aerial Display).
Against a backdrop of high quality office buildings three riders, including the current British Mountain Bike Trials Champion and a former Junior World Champion, performed death defying leaps, jumps, hops and balancing skills using their mountain bikes to display mind boggling control, skill, and balance.
Goodman customers rediscovered the joys of cycling by visiting a range of information stalls. Thames Valley Police urged customers to think about crime prevention and bike security and offered bike post code stamping. Any bikes in need of repair were taken to see ‘Dr Bike’ at a bike surgery provided by local retailer Warlands Cycles, which also offered occupiers the opportunity to test ride and purchase mountain bikes and the latest hybrids, touring and trekking models, plus the chance to buy trendy cycling gear.
Representatives from David Lloyd Leisure got customers in a spin over how to burn calories and keep their muscles in shape by promoting their Spinning classes, while local catering firms G&D Ice Cream Bike and Cafe2u were on hand to supply food and refreshments.
Richard Potter, Property Services Director of UK Business Parks for Goodman, said: “As one of the leading providers of business space we pride ourselves on creating high quality working environments for our customers. At Oxford Business Park we operate a Green Travel Plan, to encourage customers to use sustainable modes of transport, whilst implementing measures to reduce car dependence. By teaming up with local partners and encouraging our customers to take part in Bike Week we hope to inspire them to incorporate cycling into their everyday life, whether for work or for leisure. We’re geared up for cycling, with many customers’ buildings incorporating secure cycle parking and shower facilities, so they can get fit while reducing their carbon footprint.”
Chris Mason from Grafton Merchanting GB said: “It’s been great to find out about road safety and cycle routes around Oxford and how we can swap the car for the bike. Not only has it been educational, it provided a good opportunity to meet other occupiers on the Park.”
Oxford Business Park provides a workplace for more than 40 companies employing over 4,500 people. The park comprises 88 acres, offering high quality office space and on-site amenities including a hotel, restaurant, day nursery and a health and fitness centre.
Oxford Business Park is one of 26 parks that Goodman owns, develops and manages nationally.