The 2021 edition of Bike2Work has come to a successful conclusion for CERN. Despite the fact that COVID-19 kept many of us working from home, CERN fielded 648 cyclists in 173 teams. Only four institutions in Switzerland had more teams than CERN, and the high level of participation, 18% of the estimated population, placed CERN first in the category for companies with 1000–4999 employees.
Measured in kilometres, CERN cyclists pedalled the equivalent of almost five times around the equator. If they had been driving instead their cars would have emitted 27657 kg of CO2 into the atmosphere. The main focus of Bike2Work is not the number of kilometres cycled, but the number of days cycled, and in this respect, CERN also performed well. Registered participants logged 77% of their working days in May and June as cycling days—well beyond the required 50% threshold set by the organisers.
Improving the conditions for soft mobility is part of CERN’s effort to reduce its environmental impact. Over recent years, CERN has demonstrated its commitment to soft mobility through the construction of a cycle path between the Meyrin and Prévessin sites, the creation of cycle lanes within the sites, and the opening of more showers. A campaign is also under way to build more bike shelters. Further suggestions can be made to the Mattermost Channel to share ideas related to environmental topics at CERN.
Keep on cycling!