Grant Application: Question #2

This week, I'm working on writing the project proposal for the BikeTexas Wellness Rides for State Employees, the project for which BikeTexas intends to see funding from New Belgium Brewing Company. This and subsequent blog posts are in response to questions from New Belgium's grant application form (bolded). Thus, these blog posts are a draft of what will go into my grant packet and later into the application itself. (Question #1 was the organization description.)
------
Please state the project name, purpose and who/what will benefit from this project:*

The project is BikeTexas Wellness Rides for State Employees. These rides allow employees at participating state agencies to get out of their offices for a short time to enjoy Austin by bicycle. The project has several beneficiaries.

The employee: Has a longer than usual break in the day, enjoys fresh air and exercise, and has a chance to spend time with colleagues outside the work environment. Many participants on the Wellness Rides have not ridden a bike since childhood and have a chance to re-learn a rusty skill and perhaps start a new activity. BikeTexas provides bikes for the rides that are a higher quality than the department store bikes that participants may have used before, so they also get a chance to experience how comfortable and durable this type of bike is, again possibly sparking their interest to try cycling as an activity or means of transportation. BikeTexas staff members are on hand during the ride to provide riding pointers, guidance, and give information about how to purchase a bike or start using a bike for short trips.

The agency: Studies have shown that active employees are happier and more productive employees (HC Online), have lower absenteeism rates (Davis and Jones), and are more creative after exercising (Blanchette et al). Because BikeTexas produces the Wellness Rides at no cost to the participating agency, the agency can reap these same benefits without having to spend state money. Employees are also likely to feel greater job satisfaction when their employer makes time in the work day for the employee to exercise (Peterson). Over time, if employees choose to add cycling to their day-to-day activities after experiencing a Wellness Ride, their increased activity could result in lower health care costs for the agency (Adler).

BikeTexas: As the statewide advocacy organization for bicycling, BikeTexas must work with ad lobby state leaders and state agencies to be sure that bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly laws and policies are enacted at the state level, while working against any unfavorable laws or policies. By providing Wellness Rides to state employees, not only do BikeTexas staff members get to share their love for cycling, but they also build relationships and bridges that may prove critical later on. Additionally, once state employees are acquainted with the realities of cycling on city streets in Texas, they become more open to hearing BikeTexas' ideas for improved conditions across the state. Therefore, cyclists across Texas become an indirect beneficiary of the Wellness Rides when doors are opened for BikeTexas to convince state leaders of the need for bicycle-friendly policies.

Works Cited

Adler, Jane. "Workplace Wellness Helps Curb Health Care Costs." Chicago Business. Crain Communications, 2012. Web. 16 Nov 13.

Blanchette, David M., et. al. "Aerobic Exercise and Creative Potential: Immediate and Residual Effects." Creativity Research Journal, 17.2&3 (2005): 257-264. Web. 16 Nov 13.

Davis, Adrian, and Marcus Jones. "Physical activity, absenteeism and productivity: an
Evidence Review." Transport for London. London. Web. 16 Nov 13.

HC Online. "Exercise and productivity link confirmed." Human Resources Director Online. Key Media, 4 Oct 2011. Web. 16 Nov 13.

Peterson, Jessica McKenzie. "Exercising at Work Boosts Productivity." APA Center for Organizational Excellence. American Psychological Association, 7 Mar 2012. Web. 16 Nov 13.