5.1 A sustainable product
Urban congestion is a growing problem across the globe. It causes pollution, health problems and economic damage. The bicycle and e-bike can play a role in the solution to this problem. In addition to providing sustainable mobility, cycling also contributes to improved health. Obesity and a lack of exercise are major causes of health problems in our society. Research by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment (Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Milieu) shows that people who cycle regularly have the physical condition of a sportsperson and are physically around 10 years younger than their actual age. They have a better immune system and a 50% reduced chance of a heart attack.
Green and healthy mobility
Accell Group contributes to sustainable and healthy mobility by providing a sustainable mode of transport. And we are constantly taking this one step further, with innovative concepts and solutions such as the Speed Pedelec. This e-bike provides peddle support up to a maximum speed of 45km/h. Realising this top speed does require some serious peddling. The cruising speed is around 35-38 km/h. This speed makes the Speed Pedelec extremely useful for longer-distance commuter traffic. This makes it a serious alternative to the car.
Lobby for safety and sustainability
Accell Group actively promotes the interests of consumers and the bicycle sector. Together with other organisations, we form a powerful lobby group to promote safe cycling conditions. Under the CONEBI banner, we participate with the European industry in a lobby to safeguard sound regulations related to the Speed Pedelec. Accell Group also participates in initiatives to address the broader societal issue of sustainable mobility and the relief of traffic flows in and between cities.
Supporting initiatives
Accell Group encourages consumer health by providing products that encourage healthy exercise and sports. In line with this aim, we support initiatives that encourage young people to exercise and aim to reduce social problems such as obesity. We also support organisations that promote the bicycle as a common mode of transport in developing countries. For instance, Accell Group supports the non-profit organisation World Bike Relief (WBR), and Raleigh is involved in the Re-Cycle Bikes for Africa initiative.
Accell Group will spend more than one million euros annually on initiatives that contribute to greater sustainability in mobility, promote the health and safety of consumers and help keep elderly people mobile for longer. Accell Group achieved this goal in 2015.
Sustainable commuting
Accell Group wants to set an example and encourages its own employees to choose sustainable modes of transport for their daily commute. The objective is for less than 50% of our employees to travel to work by non-sustainable means. We met this target for the first time in 2014. The number of employees travelling to work individually by non-sustainable means continued to decrease, and fell to 40% in 2015. The increase in the category ‘Other sustainable’ is largely accounted for by our Asian companies, where many employees walk to work or travel on electric bicycles or scooters.
Consumer safety
Accell Group does not compromise when it comes to safety. Our products are made with high-quality materials. Each product meets the highest international safety standards, such as those laid down in ISO (World), ASTM (USA), EN (Europe) and the IEC standards for electric components.
Accell Group is involved in task forces and organisations that encourage the safe use of bicycles in traffic. We also provide information to the specialist retail trade and consumers about safe and responsible bicycle use and maintenance, primarily for e-bikes and the Speed Pedelec.