Submitted by Grainne Kennedy on Thu, 2017-08-31 10:46
September is a great time to cycle. The days are fresh and you can enjoy the changing colours of the season as you pedal along. The national event aims to increase the number of people cycling to work and is also an opportunity for staff who already cycle, to recognise the positive impact cycling has on their health, budget and the environment.
Participating in Cycle to Work Day couldn’t be easier; simply go to www.cycletoworkday.org, pledge to cycle and you could be in with a chance of winning fantastic prizes such as a cycling holiday for two in Spain.
Outside of the pledge, we encourage staff to come together and hold fun events centred on cycling. Greenwich House, for instance, will hold a slow bicycle race, electric bike demonstrations and a competition for the best dressed cyclist to celebrate the day. Watch out for events in your department. If you would like to organise an event there are plenty of resources that you can use, we would love to hear about your plans and provide support.
The University oversees a number of initiatives designed to help staff get pedalling. There are loans and the Cyclescheme to help you purchase your bike, and pool bikes are available at some University sites to facilitate travel during the workday.
For those who are likely to miss Cycle to Work Day or would like to go further in promoting sustainable travel, there is also World Car Free Day on 22 September. Started in 1995, it is estimated that 1,500 cities have held a car free day. On that day people are asked to consider their public transport or active travel options and leave the car at home. Plans for the day are still being formalised but we will be sure to keep you up to date via Facebook and Twitter.
Whether it is for Cycle to Work Day or World Car Free Day, we hope you have an opportunity to get out on your bicycle in September.