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Somebody at my wife’s work has suggested that a fleet of bikes be purchased to enable staff to get about sites in Manchester city centre. So, the bikes would not be used for commuting but for attending meetings during the working day.
Would this leave them open to all sorts of legal issues if somebody got creamed by a bus on Oxford Road whilst riding to a work appointment in work time?
Wouldn't that depend on the degree of compulsion?
I feel that it would no different by law than driving a company car really, there would need to be a blanket insurance policy that covered you whilst riding them and giving you third party cover?
I reckon that whoever does the risk assessment will advise getting everyone trained to ride a bike in the city
If that's not an issue - it may work
Problem is how do you assess if someone is capable of using them safely?
With cars you can accept a current licence as 'proof' but with bikes more tricky.
Plus you'd probably need hi-viz clothing, helmets and all sorts?
Boris bikes seem to get around all this though so not insurmountable.
What rkk said, and job description/requirements.
Plus it depends on what the previous transport and travel options were, and whether you're increasing the risks.
There's a lot more responsibility involved in health and safety at work, than hiring someone a Borrisbike in their own time.
I sold a fleet of 6 cannondale hybrids to my local council a few years back and they were used by all kinds of departments for various jobs so there must be a way around the red tape.
Hmmm. Co. could be sued for any accident caused by cycling staff, or by staff if bikes cause accidents to staff. I think.
You wouldnt get me riding a bike in a city, not even if you paid me!
We have people who mooch across town on Boris Bikes....
We looked at cycle to work a few years ago when I wanted to make use of it but concluded it was easier for the business just to buy a bike. I spoke at the time to the person running the scheme at Halfords and was told that was no problem but the company would be responsible for maintaining the bike in a safe condition. I therefore became bicycle safety officer.
So I would think your wife's business would have the same obligation.
It will be fine as long as they stick to riding on pavements.
My old place had a pool bike for local use. Surprisingly for the NHS, there was no particular red tape that I recall, just had to sign it out each time (probably declaring your competence/liability as part of doing so).