Published:
The University's Edinburgh Campus has been presented with the Cycle Friendly Campus Award, with distinction, following re-assessment by Cycling Scotland for the second time.
The award, first gained in 2016, is delivered with funding from Transport Scotland and acknowledges the efforts of Scotland's colleges and universities that promote cycling as an accessible and convenient travel choice.
It recognises the outstanding level of commitment Heriot-Watt has shown to encourage cycling to, from and around campus.
Heriot-Watt has 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 Bike Bothy acts as a retailer in the University's staff Cycle to Work scheme and SafeGuarding Services provide free bike security marking at events during the year.
There is also support from Sustrans and volunteer Active Travel Champions who help to promote active travel via a range of engagement events during the year and the hosting of hire points at the campus for the “Just Eat Cycles” Edinburgh hire scheme.
Evan Oliphant, Cycling Hub Manager at the Bike Bothy, said: “It is great to see so many people now riding to the campus and the cycling facilities continually improving to support this, not only with the services we provide from the Bike Bothy. The new bike shelters, improving cycle routes, “be bright be seen” campaigns and bike breakfasts have all contributed to this.”
Fiona Pearson, Reward and Wellbeing Assistant, added: “Since launching the Cycle to Work Scheme in November 2014 we have had 122 colleagues join the scheme, with many now purchasing their second bike. Regular Bike Breakfasts are held in conjunction with the Bike Bothy where cyclists and enthusiasts meet up, and talk/try bikes, route planning or get their bikes checked over by a mechanic. We are joined at these breakfasts by Sustrans and the SafeGuarding team, who are on hand to security mark bikes.”
Chris Larkins, Environment and Energy Manager, said: “Cycling to the campus can be a healthy, sustainable and cheap way of travelling, and the Cycle Friendly Campus Award is great recognition of the cycling support available on campus. We're keen to understand areas where the facilities and support can be further improved and would be very grateful for feedback to help set future priorities.”
Please email any comments or suggestions for improvement around either cycling facilities and routes on-campus, or external access routes and links to the campus to c.larkins@hw.ac.uk.
Susan Kerr
Communications Officer
T: 0131 451 3242