Cycle Friendly Campus Award for Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University becomes a Cycle Friendly Campus, gaining the Cycle Friendly Award from Cycling Scotland

Staff and students at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus celebrated receiving the Cycle Friendly Campus Award from Cycling Scotland in recognition of their commitment to cycling.

The award, which is delivered with funding from Transport Scotland, recognises the efforts of Scotland’s colleges and universities that promote cycling as an accessible and convenient travel choice, was presented to Abi Wingate, Transition Heriot-Watt Cycling Officer, by Cycling Scotland’s Paul Wright, in recognition of the outstanding level of commitment the University has shown to encourage cycling to, from and around campus.

Supported by Transition Heriot-Watt, the university implemented a range of measures including launching the hugely successful Bike Bothy which offers bike hire, maintenance support, cycle training, bike spares and a meeting place for rides and events. The university also put in signage to highlight safer cycling routes, such as along the canal tow path linking the Edinburgh campus to the City Centre.

Derek Mackay, Minister for Transport & Islands, said, "I’d like to congratulate Heriot Watt on becoming the latest university to receive the Cycle Friendly Campus Award.

"The Scottish Government is fully committed to increasing levels of cycling and walking and are delighted to have been able to support the Cycle Friendly Campus Award with Cycling Scotland.

"This is a great example of how everyone can contribute to our vision that 10% of everyday journeys will be made by bike by 2020.”

Malcolm Deans, Director of Campus Services at Heriot-Watt, said “Heriot-Watt University is thrilled to have achieved the Cycle Friendly Campus Award and to have had the opportunity to engage in the scheme in collaboration with Transition Heriot-Watt and Cycling Scotland.

“Participation in the programme has helped the University provide improved support for people traveling by bike and has substantially increased the numbers of staff and students choosing to get on their bikes. This is a great result, as cycling makes a fantastic contribution towards sustainability by helping to tackle climate change, reducing congestion and improving local air quality. We plan to build on the positive impact of gaining the Award and will continue to promote cycling as part of the University’s broader commitment to smarter travel that is better for the environment and for the physical, mental and financial wellbeing of students and staff.”

Paul Wright, Cycling Scotland development officer said, “Cycling Scotland has worked closely with Heriot-Watt University, both in the pilot project and in working towards the Cycle Friendly Campus Award. The University has shown great commitment to getting more people cycling around campus and I look forward to working with the university in the future to ensure staff and students can travel confidently and conveniently to the campus.”

The Cycle Friendly Campus Award is run by Cycling Scotland with funding from Transport Scotland and recognises exemplar projects from Scotland’s college and university campuses where cycling is a real and accessible part of campus life. Campuses can register to become a Cycle Friendly Campus online at www.cycling.scot.

ENDS

Communications Officer

vicky@cyclingscotland.org

07701 289257

Cycle Friendly Campus Award

Following the success of our Cycle Friendly Schools, Community and Employer Awards, the Cycle Friendly Campus Award is aimed at encouraging and supporting colleges and universities across Scotland to take a leading role in increasing the number of students, staff and visitors traveling by bike. The award focusses on encouraging and enabling students to make regular journeys to, from and around campus by bike.

Cycling Scotland assesses campuses across four key performance zones:

• Strategy & Governance

• Promotion & Communications

• Service & Facilities

• Monitoring & Evaluation

Campuses that score highly across at least two performance zones, while meeting the minimum points in all other performance zones, are awarded Cycle Friendly Campus status, with Distinction.

http://www.cyclingscotland.org/our-projects/award-schemes/cycle-friendly-campus

Cycling Scotland

Cycling Scotland is the nation’s cycling organisation. Working with others, we help create and deliver opportunities and an environment so anyone anywhere in Scotland can cycle easily and safely.

Values:

Cycling Scotland is a recognised Scottish Charity no. SC 029760.

For more information, please visit www.cycling.scot     

Transport Scotland

Transport Scotland is the national transport agency for Scotland, delivering the Scottish Government's vision for transport. Find out more at www.transportscotland.gov.uk

MAKlab
The Cycle Friendly Award was designed by MAKlab. MAKlab is an innovative Scottish charity focused on providing resources for people from all backgrounds, of all ages and all abilities to use physical making as a tool for social empowerment, regeneration, economic growth and social capital.
maklab.co.uk

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