Major Limerick company wins gold award for going green
A MAJOR Limerick employer has become the first company in Munster to achieve ‘gold’ cycle-friendly status.
Analog Devices (ADI), which is based at Raheen Industrial Estate, has received the status in recognition of the organisation’s commitment to cycling initiatives and facilities for employees.
To push its employees to take the plunge and embrace cycling, ADI I invited members of the Limerick Cycling Campaign to show off some of their new bikes, which are now available for rent for free.
Commenting on the initiative, Vincent Hudner, Facilities Director at ADI said: “To encourage more people to cycle to work, we’ve taken a two-pronged approach of improving our onsite cycling amenities.”
The company has also begun “rolling out” educational campaigns with the Limerick Cycling Campaign demonstrating the E-Cargo bike to Analog employees.
Anne Cronin, Vice Chairperson of the Limerick Cycling Campaign said: “We are running a nine month E-Cargo Bike Share Project, which we received funding for through the European Union +CityXchange programme. We hosted a demonstration in ADI Limerick to showcase to their staff the electric E-Cargo bike - which is great, that ADI are encouraging their workforce to become greener in how they travel to work.”
The E-Cargo bike is an electric bike, which can be rented free of charge. It includes a light, portable box on the front that can hold loads of up to 120kg and is safe for children up to 11 years old to travel in.
Whether an individual wants to travel with children, groceries or other supplies, the bike is equipped with seatbelts in the front compartment, and because it is an electric model, the weight feels light for the cyclist.
“We had one Limerick family use the E-Cargo bike really successfully over a period of time when it was first introduced in November last," said Anne Cronin.
Members of the Fitzpatrick family from Annacotty cycled 550 kilometres on the bike in total, between doing the school commute, going to work and grocery shopping.
“The ease of making the transition has been proven by the Fitzpatricks, and the E-Cargo bike to rent, free of charge, allows the people of Limerick to trial getting rid of the cars all together,” added Anne.
Limerick is one of seven cities across the EU taking part in a feasible demonstration project that encourages communities to become more sustainable.
The Limerick Cycling Campaign says the E-cargo bike is safe for an individual who has reduced mobility and is user-friendly for most age groups.
Attending the ceremony was Michael O’Boyle, Cycling Solutions Ireland and Limerick City TD Brian Leddin, who is the Green Party spokesperson for Transport, Climate Action and Environment.
Deputy Leddin presented the award to Shane Geary, General Manager of Manufacturing at Analog Devices who commented: “Achieving this EU-wide accreditation is a reflection of our strategic commitment to using our technology, people, and voice to protect the planet. It also demonstrates our commitment to our employees’ wellbeing. We’re looking forward to seeing the demand for our bike sheds soar."