In partnership with the British Council for Offices
With the UK government looking to double cycling activity by 2025, the property sector needs to play its part in supporting the push towards active travel, ReTour is Remit Consulting’s active travel study.
ReTour - how active travel can enhance property assets and improve values
For many years, Remit Consulting has been an important voice in the conversation regarding active travel within the UK, undertaking research into the provision of end-of-journey facilities within commercial properties.
Remit Consulting has also hosted cycling tours of London, which have highlighted the quality and range of staff amenities in office buildings and the active travel infrastructure across the capital. The findings of the event underlined the findings of Remit Consulting’s 2022 report for the British Council of Offices, and highlighted that:
Appealing office environments encourage staff to work from the office
The provision of end-of-trip facilities in office buildings can enhance their value and attraction
Many businesses underestimate the demand for active travel facilities
Improving the public realm never stops and wheeling/walking surfaces are tricky to get right for everyone
Facilities for disabled cyclists are improving, but there is still room for improvement
Not all “wheelers” have the same needs
Perfect is the enemy of good. Small to medium-sized facilities to a reasonable standard can work in certain circumstances
There are clever, albeit not perfect solutions.
The provision for an area doesn’t have to be within the employee’s building
Parking provision for visitors is improving
There are some nicer quieter routes in London but road surfaces could be improved
Managing buildings on a “village” or area basis allows for some economies of scale and community development
Active Travel Forum - an opportunity to join the conversation
To help progress the real estate market’s conversation, Remit Consulting has established an Active Travel Forum to consider the most topical issues and the value of including active travel infrastructure and strategies in new property developments.
The aim of the Active Travel Forum will be to discover and share how developers, investors, asset managers, property and building managers can enhance buildings and portfolios, heighten the appeal of office buildings, improve well-being and reduce carbon footprints.
If you would like to be part of the new forum and help lead this important conversation, or if you would just like to be kept up-to-date with the findings of our ongoing research into active travel, please contact Emily Bates.
ReTour’s History
Retour V
In June 2023, Remit Consulting hosted its fifth annual ReTour event, bringing together developers, architects, occupiers, and active travel specialists to explore end-of-journey facilities in various office properties.
Alongside the traditional cycle ride, ReTour V included a dynamic 90-minute Q&A panel session, providing participants with a chance to discuss issues impacting the evolving active travel market, including:
Differentiating Between e-Scooter and e-Bike Batteries
A significant concern discussed during the event was the need to clarify the distinction between non-compliant e-Scooter batteries, known for fire risks, and compliant e-Bike batteries. The lack of awareness has led to cargo bike operators facing challenges accessing loading bays in office buildings. The consensus was that educating facility managers (FMs) about these battery types is essential to ensure the safe and efficient integration of active travel facilities into urban environments.
Addressing Planning Issues
The event shed light on the persistent obstacle posed by outdated planning conditions for active travel facilities in new developments. Several local authorities still enforce end-of-trip features that do not align with current market demands and industry standards. To overcome this challenge, stakeholders in the active travel sector must collaborate with authorities to update planning conditions, accommodating the evolving needs of commuters and promoting sustainable travel options.
Harnessing the Power of Data
Participants recognised data as a valuable yet underutilised resource. Exploring ways to pool data from various sources, the discussion highlighted the potential of data insights to optimise infrastructure, enhance user experiences, and support sustainable transportation solutions in the real estate industry. By making informed decisions based on data, stakeholders can drive the seamless integration of active travel facilities into urban landscapes.
ReTour 2023 emphasised the collective effort needed to promote sustainable transportation solutions. The event's discussions revealed the importance of aligning with market trends and industry standards while educating stakeholders about vital aspects like battery safety. By addressing planning challenges and leveraging data-driven insights, active travel facilities can seamlessly integrate into urban environments, fostering healthier and more environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
“Thank you for having me along for the ride a couple of weeks ago - there was useful insight into the thinking of design of space”
Highlights of ReTour V
Retour iV
2022 saw the return of the ReTour cycle ride around central London, shedding light on the progress made in active travel facilities while acknowledging the room for improvement.The event's discussions drew upon Remit Consulting's BCO Research, which uncovered several important factors influencing active commuting decisions.
One crucial aspect addressed during the event was the need to cater to disabled cyclists adequately. Although facilities for them have shown improvement, there is still a long way to go in ensuring their inclusivity. Recognising that "not all wheelers have the same needs," it becomes evident that a one-size-fits-all approach does not suffice.
The discussion emphasised that striving for perfection could sometimes hinder progress. Small to medium-sized facilities, built to a reasonable standard, can effectively serve their purpose in specific circumstances. The emphasis was on practicality and adaptability, understanding that clever, albeit imperfect, solutions could often prove effective.
Interestingly, the provision for active travel facilities need not be confined within an employee's building, and it is clear that external facilities strategically placed within a workplace's vicinity can have a significant impact on encouraging active commuting. The ReTour event highlighted the positive trend of improving parking provisions for visitors, promoting a shift towards sustainable transportation options.
While London boasts some quieter routes that provide an enjoyable experience for cyclists and pedestrians alike, attendees to the event also agreed that road surfaces in the city could be enhanced to further promote active travel.
An interesting observation was the mismatch between planning authorities' policies for bike parking and the actual market demands. It was also evident that large estate owners who invest in End of Trip (EOT) facilities see both physical and financial benefits, enhancing the overall value of their properties. Attendees agreed that continuous improvement is required for existing facilities and the introduction of new high-quality facilities to meet evolving needs.
As the event concluded, it was clear that finding the right balance in developing active travel facilities is an ongoing process. Adopting a community-based approach and considering the specific requirements of various user groups can lead to efficient, inclusive, and sustainable outcomes. With stakeholders working together, active travel facilities can continue to evolve, fostering a healthier and more environmentally conscious society.
ReTour III
With pandemic-related restrictions, it wasn’t practical to meet in person, but Remit Consulting introduced a new, online format for ReTour. In addition to not having to brave the rain, this enabled us to expand the event, both geographically and in the number of participants
Launched in early 2021, ReTour III was a series of four separate events, studying best practices in office design and active travel facility management in London, the UK and internationally. The virtual format provides attendees with a global perspective; exploring cutting-edge cycling facilities in office buildings worldwide.
Recordings of the individual events can be accessed here: ReTour Resources.
Each online event lasted around one hour, featuring video tours of cycling amenities within new and existing properties, talks, presentations and panel discussions; all aimed at allowing participants to gain insight and understanding into how active travel facilities can be incorporated into the office and workplace of the future, benefiting occupiers, the environment and improving asset values.
With pandemic-related restrictions, it wasn’t practical to meet in person, but Remit Consulting introduced a new, online format for ReTour. In addition to not having to brave the rain, this enabled us to expand the event, both geographically and in the number of participants
Launched in early 2021, ReTour III was a series of four separate events, studying best practices in office design and active travel facility management in London, the UK and internationally. The virtual format provides attendees with a global perspective; exploring cutting-edge cycling facilities in office buildings worldwide.
ReTour II
The second annual ReTour saw twenty property professionals taking to their bikes, and braving the driving rain to sample cycle facilities in eight offices across Central London covering Midtown, the City and the Docklands. Our guests were senior property figures from property companies, funds and agencies; some cycled regularly but many hadn’t been on a bike for years – we were delighted that Brompton had provided bikes for those without.
The day started bright and early at one of the best buildings of the day - Argent’s 4 Pancras Square in King’s Cross where the cycle access was high spec and on a par with the pedestrian entrance. The buildings that the cyclists particularly enjoyed were Riverscape at 10 Queen Street and Watling House at 33 Cannon Street.
Some standout features include the signage at Watling House, which made it easy for riders to access different areas and the five different types of bicycle storage solutions it offered. The showers and changing rooms in all were also very impressive, particularly at Riverscape which even had mobile phone charging lockers. The tour highlighted the challenges buildings face with the increased number of cyclists and other active commuters, including runners.
“The ReTour event provided an opportunity for members of the commercial property sector to experience cycling facilities from the perspective of an occupier”
ReTour I
2018 marked the beginning of ReTour on Friday 6th July with twenty riders touring nine of London’s best buildings to assess their facilities for cyclists. The buildings varied massively in terms of their storage facilities and provisions for cyclists. The day started bright and early with refreshments and a presentation from Ecocycle; an automated cycle storage company with a visionary solution for the mass storage of bikes. The riders then set off to tour the remaining buildings.
Featured buildings included 90 Fetter Lane, Nomura, Bishopsgate, and Verde. Some noticeable highlights were the winding ramp at the Verde building, seamless access for cyclists at 200 Aldersgate, and insights from into the other European markets, providing independent advice based on in depth experience and understanding of the issues facing clients in the global real estate industry.
