"We hope that businesses take up this opportunity to give those employees who have a short commute to work the option of changing their mode of transport to a more sustainable one. "
Braintree District Council has launched a new grant scheme in a bid to encourage more people to cycle to work.
The Council is offering grants of up to £2,000 to businesses on industrial estates willing to install bicycle storage facilities at their workplaces.
The scheme will support 30 businesses and is open to small firms.
The aim of the scheme is to increase the number of journeys people make by bike in an effort to reduce emissions and congestion, tackle the issues associated with climate change and ease the pressure on parking.
Businesses can visit www.braintree.gov.uk/cyclestorage to find out more about the scheme, criteria and application process.
Cllr Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “One of the barriers which stop people from cycling to work is a lack of secure bike parking facilities. We hope that businesses take up this opportunity to give those employees who have a short commute to work the option of changing their mode of transport to a more sustainable one. There are benefits for businesses too. A healthier, more active workforce means reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.”