Soft mobility: effects on the employees’ health and on the planet

To summarize, these are the so-called “active” modes of transport, i.e. those that use human strength (bicycles, scooters, skates, etc.) and collective or individual transport modes. The last ones contribute to a reduction of CO2 emissions (public transport, electric bicycle…)

Here is a brief overview of the different types of soft transport available

The bicycle

It allows to combine CO2 reduction and physical exercise. Another reason to start cycling: to avoid traffic jams! In addition, investing in a bicycle parking lot ensures a secure and convenient way of parking for cyclists.

The electric bike

It combines physical effort while being faster than the traditional bicycle. An employee needs to drop his children off at school or transport objects? He can opt for the electrically assisted cargo bike.

Skateboarding and rollerblading

For some, it’s probably a little reminiscent of high school years, but it’s also an excellent way to get around without CO2 emissions. It allows you to be more active during the day, as much as cycling or walking.

The gyropod and the overboard

These are THE new mobilities that we see from time to time in the streets. Less popular than its acolytes, they nevertheless allow to move without CO2 emissions.

Public transport

Train, bus, metro, RER… these public transports have the advantage to reduce the carbon footprint and to gather several people in one go. Public transport reduces the number of car drivers on the road and increases road safety. One of the only drawbacks is the lack of comfort.

Walking and running

Walking and running are recommended for short distances, and they also combine physical exercise with a reduction in CO2 emissions. To motivate your employees to do this, mobility challenges exist to encourage them to change their habits, gently.

Scooters

Scooters have become increasingly popular in recent years. Whether self-service or personal, they allow employees to get around quickly while avoiding CO2 emissions.

Electric cars and motor scooters

With the same advantages as thermal vehicles, the electric car emits less CO2: it remains under the threshold of the current regulation of 60 g/km of CO2 emissions.

The new mobilities like electrical bicycle can slow down the employers or the employees: insecurity, accidents, fear of being injured… the reasons are multiple. It may therefore be wise to think about training (prevention workshops, training, installation of equipment, etc.).

Facilitating access to alternative modes of transportation for employees is an excellent way to gently initiate changes in behavior. 

Reduced carbon footprint

These practices make it possible to reduce CO2 emissions or even to have zero emissions (thanks to active modes of transport). Thinking about CO2 emissions is vital today in the current ecological context.

Health and well-being

Physical activity is very positive for physical health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle are two of the main risk factors for health (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, etc.).

Physical activity is not only physically beneficial, it also has real positive effects on mental health: improved mood, self-esteem and cognitive performance, reduced anxiety and stress. It also makes people feel more effective and, by domino effect, boosts employee productivity.

With teams that feel good, internal well-being is also improved.

Costs

Soft mobility reduces costs compared to the use of cars (maintenance, fuel, vehicle depreciation, etc. ….). The employee makes significant savings per month, which increases his purchasing power.

In addition, the company can benefit from the Sustainable Mobility Package to encourage its employees to use soft mobility.

Time

Switching to soft mobility allows you to optimize your commute time: avoid traffic jams, take streets or side roads open to soft mobility, etc. Overall, taking a bike or a scooter allows you to reduce your daily commuting time. This is very good news for the work/life balance of employees!

Using soft mobility is a very good lever to reduce the individual and company carbon footprint. Easy to undertake and supported by the government, you have all the arguments to go ahead!

First of all, think about carrying out a diagnosis of the impact of your employees’ home-work trips. It allows you to accompany them in a mobility that meets their individual lifestyles.