Glasgow Caledonian University become Scotland’s first Cycle Friendly Campus

Glasgow Caledonian University has become Scotland’s first Cycle Friendly Campus, gaining the Cycle Friendly Award with Distinction from Cycling Scotland

Scottish Trail Bike Champion, Aaron Duke, was on hand on Friday (5th February) to help students and staff at Glasgow Caledonian University’s Cowcaddens campus celebrate receiving the Cycle Friendly Campus Award from Cycling Scotland – the first of its kind in Scotland.

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 Gerry Milne, GCU’s Vice-Principal Infrastructure, and GCU’s Sustainability Officer Paulo Cruz by Keith Irving, Cycling Scotland chief executive in recognition of the outstanding level of commitment the University has shown to encourage cycling to, from and around campus.

GCU implemented a range of measures, including bicycle parking, cycle training, linking with Glasgow’s cycle hire scheme and providing personal travel planning – all of which has led to an increase of almost 20% in the number students, staff and visitors choosing to travel to campus by bike since the start of the project in the autumn of 2014. The University also partnered with Glasgow Bike Station to deliver their student focussed Uni-Cycle project.

Derek Mackay, Minister for Transport & Islands said:

“I’d like to congratulate Glasgow Caledonian University on receiving the first ever Cycle Friendly Campus Award and doing so with distinction.

“Not only are they making cycling easier for staff and students, they are also providing yet another example of how everyone can contribute to our vision that 10% of everyday journeys will be made by bike by 2020. This in turn will lead to healthier more active lifestyles for those getting in the saddle.”

Gerry Milne, Glasgow Caledonian University’s Vice-Principal Infrastructure, said:

“GCU is delighted to be named Scotland’s first Cycle Friendly Campus - we want all those who cycle to and from the University to get the most out of life on two wheels.

“We have introduced a range of initiatives to encourage and promote cycling and its many benefits, from free bike maintenance sessions and breakfasts to cycle training and personal travel plans, as well as increasing bike parking on campus.

“We have a loyal and engaged community of people who cycle and the number of students and staff travelling to GCU by bike has increased by almost 20% since 2014. Cycling is an accessible, affordable and sustainable mode of travel which helps to reduce our carbon footprint and achieve our health and wellbeing goals. We hope this award will inspire more students, staff and visitors to travel to GCU by bike.”

Paul Wright, Cycling Scotland development officer said:

“Cycling Scotland has worked closely with Glasgow Caledonian University, both in the pilot project and in working towards receiving the first ever Cycle Friendly Campus Award.

“The University was awarded with distinction on account of their collaborative approach to increasing cycling rates and the high standard of cycling facilities and services available on campus.”

Rebecca Petford, Scotland Programme Coordinator, Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) added:

“The EAUC is delighted to hear of GCU’s success in being the first tertiary education institution in Scotland to gain the Cycle Friendly Campus Award. The University shows a true commitment to developing cycling infrastructure and encouraging sustainable travel behaviours, and in working with other universities and colleges to support their cycling programmes.”

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.