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SPT becomes a Cycle Friendly Employer

16/10/2007

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has been named by Cycling Scotland as a ‘Cycle Friendly Employer’.

The award is recognition for the measures SPT has put in place to help and encourage staff to cycle to work.

SPT Chair Alistair Watson and Cycling Scotland Director Brian Curtis

Today (Tuesday 16 October), Brian Curtis MBE, a director of Cycling Scotland presented SPT with three Cycle Friendly Employer certificates, for improvements made at Consort House, Broomloan and Buchanan Bus Station. SPT Chair Councillor Alistair Watson, director of Subway operations David Wallace and Buchanan Bus Station senior operations officer Ann Murdoch were all delighted to receive the accolade.

To encourage staff to cycle to work, SPT has introduced the following measures:
• The Bike Users Group (BUG) for staff - there are currently 24 members and numbers continue to grow.
• The Cycle to Work Initiative – staff can lease a bike from SPT for 12 months with payments made direct from their salaries. At the end of the lease period, staff are offered the chance to purchase the bike for a reasonable price. 22 staff members took up the scheme during the first round. The next round will take place early next year.
• Improved cycle parking for staff – new facilities installed at Broomloan and the Renfrew Ferry.
• Improved shower and changing facilities for staff.
• Bicycle mileage allowance – 20p per mile
• Improved cycle information available for SPT employees – including route information, cycle safety information and events.

Cycling Scotland Director Brian Curtis commented: “Cycling Scotland is delighted to present SPT with not one, but three, Cycle Friendly Employer awards. Giving staff good facilities to make cycling to work an easy and practical option is essential to achieving a shift towards more environmentally friendly modes of transport. The fact that SPT have provided these facilities across their three largest office spaces shows real commitment to sustainable transport, and I hope it will encourage other organisations to follow in their footsteps.”

Representatives from Consort House, Buchanan Bus Station and Broomloan offices receive their awards

Sustainable Development manager for SPT, Keri Stewart said: “One of SPT’s priorities is to encourage staff, and members of the public to leave their cars at home and use other modes of transport. One way to do that is to cycle – it’s environmentally friendly and has health benefits for the individual.

“We’re delighted to receive this award as we’ve worked hard to provide the necessary facilities to make it easier for SPT staff to cycle to work. We’re pleased with the way staff have responded and hope the number of staff who chose to get on their bikes will continue to rise.”