MORE than 25 local companies have been given the title of "Bike Friendly Business."

The NHS Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group, Shipley & Saltaire Wellness Centre and Bradford Trident are among the businesses given the title by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s CityConnect programme - the team behind the cycle super-highway that links Bradford and Leeds.

CityConnect helped the companies with free advice on how to accommodate cyclists in their workforce, making recommendations for bike parking and other provisions to suit each business, including shower or changing facilities, lockers or maintenance kits.

Businesses have also received guidance on how to encourage cycling with bike training, maintenance sessions, route recommendations and promotional campaigns.

The best businesses receive Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation as recognition for their efforts in encouraging staff and customers to travel by bike. Businesses can then apply for a grant up to £5,000 to help create an environment for cyclists.

Councillor Keith Wakefield, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “Bikes are brilliant for business. Employees who travel by bike typically take fewer days off sick, they arrive feeling more alert and are more productive. It’s a great solution to car parking problems too."

The ambition of the scheme is to award 250 Bike Friendly Businesses and to allocate over £400,000 funding by the end of January.

For more information, visit cyclecityconnect.co.uk/get-active/working-with-business/