3 November 2009

Staff to get help getting on their bikes

The University of Dundee has launched a new Cycle to Work scheme promoting healthier journeys to work and encouraging employees to cut their carbon footprint.

Instead of facing a considerable initial outlay to purchase their own bike, employeeswill be able to hire one, along with the relevant safety equipment, from the University for a 12-month period.

Those who sign up for the scheme will have the rental costs taken out of their salary before Income Tax and National Insurance has been deducted. This means they will not be required to make contributions on the proportion of their pay equivalent to the cost of hiring the bike.

The University will be working in partnership with Cyclescheme Ltd, an independent company created to help employers and employees take advantage of the Government’s Green Transport Plan.

The scheme is just one of a number of initiatives instigated by the University’s as it seeks to reduce its environmental impact. Environment & Sustainability Officer Trudy Cunningham says that the new Cycle to Work scheme represents a win-win deal.

'The university is keen to promote sustainable travel and this scheme will help increase the numbers of staff cycling to work,' she said.

'Cycling to work has benefits for all - it’s good for the environment because it helps lower carbon emissions, it's good for the cyclists financially and for their physical and mental well being. It's good for the University as it reduces the number of cars on campus and reduces our footprint.'

The bike and associated goods remain the property of University throughout the 12-month period. At the end of this time, it will be offered for sale to employees for around 5 per cent of the original retail price, plus VAT.

In May this year, the University of Dundee signed up to the Carbon Management Programme. It had previously registered with the Universities and Colleges Climate Commitment for Scotland (UCCCfS).

Both initiatives commit the University to producing a five-year plan on carbon reduction that involves changing the way it works in areas such as energy use, waste management, business travel and procurement.

The University already actively encourages staff to make more environmentally friendly travel choices. All staff are currently issued with comprehensive information covering public transport and car sharing options. Abike pool for staff to usewhen making local journeys from the main campus was introduced earlier this year.

Approximately five per cent of staff and three per cent of students currently commute by bike, and a Bicycle Users Group is well established at the University. New racks have been installed across the University campus to allow cyclists to safely park and lock their bikes outside the most commonly used buildings.

More information about the Cycle to Work scheme is available by visiting www.dundee.ac.uk/estates/energy&environment/cyclescheme.htm. Questions about the scheme can be emailed to travel@dundee.ac.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277