University pedalling forward with new award

Published On Wed 1 Jun 2016 by Dominic Younger

Cyclists from the University of Dundee community, including its Rector, the world-renowned adventurer, Mark Beaumont, will this week receive an award recognising the institution’s efforts to promote sustainable travel.

Cycling Scotland will present the Cycle Friendly Campus Award on Friday, 3^rd June. The award, which has been supported with funding from Transport Scotland, celebrates the achievements of Scottish universities which promote cycling as an accessible and convenient travel choice.

Cycling Scotland’s Development Officer Paul Wright, who will present the award, explained, “Cycling Scotland has worked closely with the University of Dundee 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 team in the future to ensure staff and students can travel confidently and conveniently to the campus.”

Mark Beaumont, who will be discussing the health and environmental benefits of sustainable travel at the ceremony, said, “Dundee was the starting point for my first ever pedal-powered adventure at the young age of 12, and I am very proud to come back as the Rector for this fantastic University and help accept this Cycle Friendly Campus Award.  Through my own journeys, around the world and right here in Scotland, I aim to encourage as many people as I can to get outside and get cycling.

“The University of Dundee is rightly being recognised for not only promoting cycling but also making it as accessible as possible on campus. I cannot wait to get back in the saddle with our students and continue to promote life on two wheels!”

Mark will be joined by staff and students who take advantage of the many initiatives the University has developed to promote cycling.

The University will receive the award with Distinction for sustained efforts to promote cycling through the creation of a cycling hub which provides secure parking for bikes, lockers and access to maintenance tools. The institution’s Bicycle User Group provides support and advice to seasoned commuters and newbies whilst social rides are organised by the Cycling Society. The new readily available fleet of electric bikes as well as the bike breakfasts, cycle training and led rides ensure safe and social cycling.

The Cycle Friendly Campus Award is run by Cycling Scotland, the nation’s cycling organisation, and recognises exemplar projects from Scotland’s college and university campuses where cycling is a real and accessible part of campus life.

For media enquiries contact:
Dominic Glasgow
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385131
Email: d.w.glasgow@dundee.ac.uk