“Bike to work”, a successful motto

In June 2012, Switzerland launched a “Bike to work” campaign in which several tens of thousands took part. CERN personnel also took up the challenge.

"Bike to work" participants, 21 June 2012.

The purpose of the campaign was to encourage the employees of Swiss companies to bike to work in June. Grouped into teams of four, no fewer than 50,000 cyclists accepted the challenge and clocked up a total of 6.8 million kilometres, 171 times the circumference of the Earth, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions by 1088 tonnes (calculation basis: 160g CO₂/km, for a small-cylinder car).

At CERN, 316 people took part in this initiative, which was supported by the Medical Service. With their car left in the garage and their feet on the pedals, the CERN participants alone clocked up over  58,000 kilometres. The result was less stress - fortunately no accidents - less pollution, and a strong request for more cycle lanes!

To build on this promising initial enthusiasm, continue to use your bike as part of the “Move, eat better” campaign or the 2012 challenge.

by Caroline Duc