This weeks Bicycle User Group meeting emphasised the growing attention being given to cycling and its role in improving the sustainability of how we travel.
Like many aspects of environmental sustainability, the University has been slow to look at making improvements to encourage greater use of sustainable travel.
Cycling in particular has been poorly catered for and the existing infrastructure is in need of upgrading and developing in order to increase the levels of security, safety and comfort for staff and students wishing to travel to the University by bicycle.
In the last year, the case for cycling development has been escalated within the University as an area that can be substantially improved with allocation of suitable funding the correct resources. An audit of current facilities fed into proposals for improvements which form part of the sustainable travel plan that is currently under development.
While the strategy is being developed, work has been taking place to introduce, or at least put in motion, some of the measures than can be implemented now.
One such measure is the introduction of the Cycle to Work Scheme which allows staff to purchase a bicycle and make tax savings through a salary sacrifice agreement. This scheme helps break down the cost-related barrier to cycling but also demonstrates the University’s commitment as they cycle is loaned to the employee while they make the repayments.
A significant aspect of cycling’s ascent up the agenda is the engagement with staff and students and the realisation of how collectively they can have an impact on future cycling enhancements.
The Bicycle User Group (BUG) was established by the University as a result of wanting to improve the level of engagement with the University population. The BUG allows staff and students to take ownership and lead on generating ideas to improve cycling to the University while fostering the development of a cyclist community.
The attendance of Vice Chancellor Martin Hall at the last meeting exemplified how the University now formally recognises the BUG as a forum for raising issues and creating solutions that are tailored for cyclists, by cyclists.
It is important to make sure the momentum gained in the last year or so is continued and the constructive discussions and enthusiasm seen at the last meeting bodes well for the future. A crucial factor in terms of the future impact of the BUG is leadership from within the current membership, which ranges from casual to regular and short to long distance cyclists.
A cohesive and structured lobbying group that the BUG has potential to become will maintain cycling, and the wide-ranging benefits it brings, on the University agenda and increase the likelihood of improvements that will facilitate greater use of this healthy, cheap and accessible mode of travel.