Zurich go electric with Cycle 360

A partnership between Zurich international and local cycling hub, cycle 360 saw ten branded electric bikes (e-bikes) delivered to Zurich House this month.

Zurich employees have the opportunity to use the e-bikes for team building activities and be encouraged to go on bike rides during lunch hours.

The bikeshop, cafe, and fitness centre, Cycle 360, currently operates as a ‘pop-up’ bikeshop in eden business park, but is due to move to its permanent location at the Isle of Man Business Park beginning of June 2018, across the road from Zurich house.

CEO of Zurich International Peter Huber said: ‘the health and wellbeing of our employees is very important to us, and we are committed to making Zurich International a fun, dynamic and enjoyable place to work.

‘Our partnership with Cycle 360 emulates this, and we hope that our employees are able to make the most of this exciting opportunity. by encouraging the use of these e-bikes, we hope to get more staff out of the office during their lunch hour, exploring the surrounding countryside with their colleagues! The initiative is part of a long-term plan to achieve a happy, healthy and stress-free workforce.’

Mark Horsthuis, Managing Director at Cycle 360, said: ‘We’re a cycling hub dedicated to inspiring and influencing healthier communities and it is fantastic that Cycle 360 is able to assist Zurich in instilling the importance of health and wellness in its employees.

‘E-bikes are making a major impression across the uk because they make cycling more accessible, so it makes sense to introduce them to Zurich’s diverse workforce.

‘Office workers often find themselves sitting for long-periods of time, so it’s great for them to be able to take a break outside. e-bikes use what is called: pedal-assist, which means they use a small electric motor to boost the power created by your own pedalling, therefore the trick to making an e-bike a fitness tool is to use the motor just enough to keep going!

‘It is important for us to create and develop long-lasting relationships with the business community, and we hope this initiative starts to help us achieve our overall mission — to get more people cycling!’

E-bikes make cycling more accessible to everyone, removing barriers such as hills, strong wind and long journey times. They can travel up to 50 miles at 15mph, and can be recharged for as little as two pence. the use of electric bikes is beneficial to both the user and the environment, with benefits including reduced travel costs, less traffic congestion and no ghg emissions or air pollution.