Sustainable Transport Archives | Minuteman Press, Bristol

Minuteman Press Bristol have won the Small Business Big Commuting Challenge award for the third consecutive year (2015, 2016 and 2017).

The travel awards organised by Travelwest and Sustrans promote the use of sustainable transport by organisations and encourage the revision of staff travel plans. Organisations are challenged to step out of the proverbial box, break from established tradition and try something new; beneficial for staff, their children and their children’s children.

The Big Commuting Challenge competition is operated across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset.

26 organisations competed in the small business category. Minuteman Press Bristol made 496 journeys by positively sustainable transport, representing 2,138 miles and most importantly saving 368kg of CO2 emissions.

Throughout the 40 day period of the competition, all the Minuteman team collectively travelled by train, bicycle, bus, foot and car share.

In 2007 Minuteman Press Bristol introduced bicycles for commuting, business travel and deliveries; they now have a small fleet of electric bicycles which are used daily by all members of the team for multiple journeys. All bicycles are maintained by local providers.

“The challenge was great fun and we’ve interacted with some lovely companies along the way; some we already knew; some we now know.” Peter Wise (Director, Minuteman Press).

“We’ve been Travelwest Transport Champions since 2014 and it has been very rewarding and fun linking up with other organisations who have committed to become Travelwest Transport Champions.” Peter Wise (Director, Minuteman Press).

“Each year the interest in sustainable transport grows amongst organisations, it’s very exciting. Travelwest, Sustrans and Bristol City Council [and the other local authorities involved] have been fantastic catalysts in getting organisations thinking and making a difference. Kurt Scheibl and Victoria Stone at Travelwest and Councillor Mark Bradshaw at Bristol City Council deserve a medal! Long may the momentum continue.”
Peter Wise (Director, Minuteman Press).

The travel award will be presented at the Guildhall in Bath; previous presentations were at St George’s (Bristol, 2016) and Grand Pier (North Somerset, 2015).

Minuteman Press Bristol have commissioned a third folding bicycle to promote and facilitate the team’s commuting to work, client meetings, supplier meetings and deliveries throughout the day, in the Bristol area.

Minuteman Press Bristol commenced its bicycle delivery service in 2007 using a folding human powered Mezzo and in 2011 added a folding electric Volt Metro bicycle. In 2015, with the support of Bristol City Council and the Travelwest Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF), Minuteman Press Bristol have been able to add to the fleet with a folding electric Freego bicycle and Burley Bee trailer, locally sourced from Atmosphere Electric Bikes in BS1. The Burley Bee trailer will provide school-run facilities for two children and make possible larger deliveries during the working day.

In addition to commuting via walking, train and bus, Minuteman Press Bristol have been able to move to a vehicle free business model; deliveries outside of the Bristol area provided by Deltec International in BS3 (a four minute cycle ride).

Bicycles have proven themselves of great value at Minuteman Press Bristol over the years and the increase in cycle usage is gratifying. Many more organisations should review their transport policies and encourage employees to try alternative methods of travel.

Special thanks are recorded to Sara Sloman (Business Engagement Manager, LSTF) for her help and support throughout the application process and beyond.

Councillor Mark Bradshaw (former Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member) is pictured handing over the keys to Peter Wise (Director at Minuteman Press).