Cash boost for cycle storage facilities in Scotland

Hospitals and universities across Scotland are to benefit from funding to improve cycle parking facilities.

Sustainable transport charity Sustrans has allocated £208,000 of Scottish Government funding to hospitals, universities and colleges. Applications were received for improvements such as covered cycle storage and bike lockers.

Sustrans received 52 applications, 38 of which were were successful, including The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Glenrothes Hospital, Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities, Queen Margaret University, Dumfries and Galloway College and Argyll College UHI.

According to the charity, research shows that many people choose not to cycle their everyday local journeys due to a lack of secure storage for their bicycles at their destination. Cycle parking facilities help to remove this barrier and encourage more people to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment.

Fiona Miller, Active Travel Co-ordinator at Sustrans Scotland, said: "To qualify for the funding, applicants were asked to fund a minimum of 25 per cent of their application which some institutions managed to exceed. This really reflects the strong need for improved cycle parking facilities at many health and educational establishments in the country.

"It is really encouraging to see that so many employers recognise the benefits of commuting to work by bike and are committed to improving the facilities that encourage more people to take to the saddle.

"Like walking, cycling is a healthy, cost-effective and convenient way to travel to work, college and university. It is also one of the easiest ways to achieve the daily recommended 30 minutes of activity to boost levels of fitness and well-being."