Celebrating Cycling at BCD M&E

Earlier this year, a group of staff from BCD M&E were standing in a bar discussing the world, our business and how we could have a bit of fun with our fantastic people while increasing our corporate social responsibility profile and maybe raise some money to make a positive difference in our local communities. From this, the concept of the Big Cycling Day was hatched.

Staff from nearly every BCD Meetings & Events office around the world took part in the inaugural Big Cycling Day beginning on September 29 through October 6. The initiative was designed to bring people together and highlight the benefits cycling can bring while raising money for local charities.

In addition to a group ride in Argentina, we collected over 60kgs of food for a local organization.

Some of the ideas were really easy to make happen-for example our London office borrowed a spin bike from a local gym and organized a spin-marathon to raise money for Battersea Dogs Home. Marriott Hotels also took part in helping throughout the day with snacks and encouragement.

Employees from our Faversham office cycled to a beach where they organized a clean along with staff from Radisson Hotel Group. 

What are some of the environmental impacts of cycling?

One liter of petrol creates about 2.3 kg of carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming. While cycling, you only emit a tiny amount of C02. This means that if you cycled 10 km each way to work over the course of a year, you would stop 1.3 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

Cycling instead of driving doesn't just reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere, it also reduces the amounts of harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides that are released into the air we breathe.

Our NYC office participated in a group class at
SoulCycle at the new Equinox Hotel. Afterwards,
they got a tour of the property, which overlooks
the "Vessel" and Hudson River.

What are some of the health benefits of cycling?

• Increased cardiovascular fitness

• Increased muscle strength and flexibility

• Low impact while improving posture and coordination

• Helps to improve sleep, combats stress and strengthens immune system

• Helps widen your social circle

Bad weather didn't stop our Belgium cyclists! They rode through a bike and pedestrian tunnel to hide from the rain.

Our Sydney office rode a collective 100kms via in-office stationary bike!

Thank you to our fantastic employees, in total we cycled over 3,500 miles and raised over $7,000 USD for charities.