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Abertay University has once again achieved recognition for its cycle-friendly approach.
Following an assessment carried out by Cycling Scotland last month, the University has been re-awarded Cycle Friendly Employer status.
The award lasts for three years and is “in recognition of the commitment by your organisation to support a culture of cycling at your workplace”.
Cycling Scotland states that, among other benefits, regular cycling to work “has been proven to boost productivity, reduce days lost to absenteeism, and reduces the need for expensive car parking facilities”.
Abertay has recently introduced a drying room, which allows cyclists to dry their clothing and kit throughout the day, ready for the return journey home.
Money from a Sustainable Travel Grant was also used to help support the painting of a cycle lane through the car park to the bike rack beside the university’s Graham Building. There are also showers available free of charge in the university’s gym facilities.
And to mark national Cycle to Work Day, Abertay’s Healthy Working Lives is holding a spa day prize draw for anyone who cycles into work on September 13.
Sharon Jeffrey, Abertay Occupational Health Advisor, said: “We are delighted to once again receive this award. So much hard work has gone into making cycling to work at Abertay as accessible and convenient for our staff as possible, with storage facilities and our new drying room proving popular.”
Iain Stewart, a Teaching Fellow at Dundee Academy of Sport, travels in from Carnoustie to Abertay most days – just over 11 miles.
He said: “I have cycled in for over a year. I’ve lost weight and do it to keep fit and healthy. I have saved a fair few quid not taking the car or train into work and I don’t miss the stressful car commute or packed train.”
Shonagh McAlpine, Abertay Business Continuity & Safety Co-ordinator, said: “It’s a busy mum’s conundrum... how to fit exercise into a busy day. Cycling to work ticks all the boxes: fitness, beating the traffic, eco-friendly; but above all getting out in the fresh air is just the ticket after sitting all day at work. We’ve got great facilities at Abertay - covered cycle racks, cycle storage, a handy drying room and shower facilities – all within two minutes’ walk.”
Abertay is also gearing up for the Tour de Tay challenge – a 50 or 25 mile cycling event along the scenic banks of the Tay.
Taking place on Saturday September 23, the event will raise funds to support Abertay’s study abroad opportunities.
For more information - and to sign up for Tour de Tay - go to https://www.abertay.ac.uk/tourdetay/