Launch of bicycle users' group

This month saw the formation of a Bicycle Users' Group (BUG) at the University. Its aim is to promote and facilitate the use of bicycles as a means of commuting to and from the University.

According to Mark O'Reilly of the BUG, "Approximately five per cent of staff and three per cent of students already commute by bike, and in doing so benefit their health, stress levels, wallets and the environment." The convenience factor is also an important one. "Bike journeys are far more truly door-to-door than the majority of car journeys, especially in the current context of changes to car-parking arrangements at the University."

As well as providing support and advice to existing and new cyclists, the BUG will provide suggestions and recommendations to the University Travel Plan Steering Group regarding how to make the campus more bike-friendly. The Steering Group is convened by the University Secretary, who will bring any proposals that have budgetary requirements to the University Court's attention.

The Institute of Sport and Exercise has already pledged its support to cyclists by offering free showers at the University swimming pool complex for everyone travelling to the main campus by bike. If you are concerned about the traffic on your route to campus the BUG's Bike Buddy scheme can match you up with a more experienced cyclist who has a similar commute to yours, and will ride with you to show you the ropes. Mark says, "Cyclists are actually far less vulnerable than you may think. By coming along to a BUG meeting you can find out more from people who cycle on the roads around the University every day."

The Bicycle Users Group communicates through an organisation within the My Dundee onine environment, and anyone wishing to join may email VLE@dundee.ac.uk mentioning the BUG group and your University username.

More details are linked from the University Travel Information web pages www.dundee.ac.uk/externalrelations/travelinfo.html