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Category: Non-motorized Boeing,
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Low tech bicycling
reduces Boeing trips
Since the early 1900's, Boeing has been on the
cutting edge of aviation and aerospace technology.
Internationally recognized as an industry leader, Boeing
manufactures its aircraft at locations around the world.
This year Boeing's 737 and 757 manufacturing facility in
Renton receives a Diamond Award for its commitment to
bicycle commuting.
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Jan. 18, 2001 Awards
Ceremony Audrey Howell, Hannah Kimball and Barbara Kinney accept Boeing's Diamond Award. |
In 1999 Boeing began to look for ways to further expand its trip reduction program and explored the possibility of legal and liability issues if the organization promoted and supported bicycle commuting. Finding none, Boeing began to encourage employees to ride their bicycles to work, whenever possible.
In Renton, some employees at the sprawling facility had been using bicycles for the purpose of commuting to work regularly since the 1980's. And bicycles are used by many to get from one end of the facilities to the other during the workday. The new encouragement and support from Boeing management for bicycle commuting boosted the number of regular bicycle commuters to 30 within weeks. The facility is located on the premises of the Renton International Airport within the City's industrial district and far from most residential areas, presenting challenges to these dedicated bicyclists. But, “bicycle commuting has already become a viable option for our alternative commuters,” according to Transportation Manager Tony Underwood. “Thirty people currently bike to work at our Renton facility on a regular basis. Emergency rides home are offered as an incentive as well as bike storage facilities and showers in several buildings.”
Increased mobility
helps freight movement
“Congestion
is getting bad and that has an effect on our bottom
line,” Underwood elaborates. “These programs
help reduce congestion, and by taking cars off the road,
Boeing goods move much more quickly between assembly
sites, saving us money.”
Boeing worked with a Sound Transit development team to ensure that there would be adequate bicycle facilities on Sound Transit equipment to meet the needs of area bicycle commuters. The aerospace leader is also a corporate sponsor of King County's Annual Bike to Work Day.
In addition to supporting bicycle to work programs, Boeing also provides commute subsidies to employees who vanpool and take the bus. Corporate subsidies consist of a monthly $25 contribution to a bus pass or vanpool costs. Additionally, vanpools and carpools park within a secured area close to facility buildings. The numbers show Boeing's success: 763 people vanpool at the Renton facility, 207 ride the bus, and 699 carpool. Boeing's Renton plant also has a strong telework program with over 30 people currently working from home.
As one of the largest employers in the Puget Sound area, Boeing's contribution to the reduction of commute trips is felt by many. The company offers commute programs at all branches in the area, and most facilities nationwide provide their employees with extensive transportation options.
Commuting
program
Results 30 bicyclists, 729 vanpoolers, 695 carpoolers, and 202 bus riders |
*Some definitions: An “ETC” is the staff-level employee transportation coordinator responsible for the daily administration of the transportation program; “PM” is the transportation program manager; and “CEO” refers to the top management-level person at the worksite. “SOV” stands for single-occupant vehicle, and “CTR” for commute trip reduction.