National award recognises council's promotion of cycling to its employees
East Lothian Council has received an award from Cycling Scotland, the nation’s cycling organisation, for its commitment to making it easier for people to get on their bikes.
The nationally recognised award recognises organisations – from workplaces to schools, community groups to campuses – that have contributed to promoting cycling as a healthy and sustainable travel choice.
In order to achieve the Cycling Friendly award, East Lothian Council has encouraged its employees to travel by bike by:
- running Dr Bike maintenance sessions
- installing facilities such as bike lockers and showers
- arranging training sessions for people to be more confident cycling
- establishing a Bike Users Group for ELC employees
- assigning a Cycling Champion to support other staff to cycle more
- promoting the Cycle to Work Scheme to make cycling more affordable
The award aims to encourage and support organisations across Scotland to take a leading role in ensuring that anyone, anywhere can enjoy the benefits of cycling.
East Lothian Council’s Head of Infrastructure, Tom Reid, said: “The Active Travel Team at East Lothian Council are committed to helping as many colleagues as possible cycle to work, cycle to meetings and cycle for fun. Travelling by bike is an enjoyable way to get from A to B and save some money at the same time.
“Increasing cycling rates across the workforce will improve the health and wellbeing of our co-workers, reduce staff sickness and help to reduce carbon emissions. We hope the action we have taken in consultation with Cycling Scotland to make cycling as accessible as possible will help boost our professional pedal power.”
More information about the Cycling Friendly programme can be found here: https://www.cycling.scot/our-programmes