Oil companies are among the Houston-area employers encouraging workers to make their commutes by bic

[Judi Lynn]

May 25, 2007, 11:13PM
Conservation
Rolling in on two wheels
Oil companies are among the Houston-area employers encouraging workers to make their commutes by bicycle

By PURVA PATEL
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

Some of the world's biggest gas peddlers are encouraging their workers to pump the pedal.

Exxon Mobil, BP and ConocoPhillips are among the Houston-area employers trying to make it easier for employees to bike to work.

Workers already have enough excuses: potholes, impatient drivers and the Houston heat.

But some businesses are easing the commute for those who decide the exercise and reduced emissions make biking worthwhile. They're giving them locker rooms, shower areas and safe places to park their bikes.

More:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/4838135.html

[Ian David]

1. Greenwashing. n/t

[ixion]

2. oh yeah... and Houston is SO bicycle friendly

what with the interstate-style infrastructure and all... :eyes:

[NNadir]

3. We may laugh because of the source, but this is a great environmental strategy.

The bicycle is an outstanding form of transportation that unlike the automobile, improves the health of the user.

A real action for the environment would include bike lanes and work showers.

A company employing such a program could expect to see reduced health costs.

[Systematic Chaos]

4. Amen to that... but I live in another bike-hostile city.

You really take your life into your own hands riding a bike on 99% of the major streets in Vegas, and there are very few lesser roads that allow you to cross the city easily. I used to do it and in my next-to-last semester of college I ended up in a hit and run (with a broken wrist) coming home from my summer job at the library. I hope there will be a day when most people are using bikes but it won't be anytime soon I'm afraid. :(

[prole_for_peace]

5. but it is so hot and humid in the houston area in summer.

even walking a few blocks wears me out. i can't imagine biking miles to work and then actually being able to work especially if work meant physical labor...