Queen’s University Belfast has been recognised as the first organisation in the UK to achieve PLATINUM standard in Cycling UK’s Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation, the charity’s international benchmark for active travel culture and infrastructure in the workplace.
The Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation highlights a business's commitment to reducing emissions by promoting and actively encouraging cycle commuting to work across campus.
As a leading civic institution, Queen’s is actively working to protect and enhance its surroundings and wider city environment by embedding sustainability into all commuting options.
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To be awarded the Platinum standard, Queen’s was assessed on its cycle-friendly culture, infrastructure, and policies. The University offers a number of ongoing initiatives that contribute to making cycle commuting an accessible active travel option for staff.
By increasing cycling provision across campus, Queen’s staff can be more active, productive and happier at work.
However, cycling to work doesn’t just benefit employees, who are healthier, happier and more alert at work. Employers can also see significant benefits from better staff morale, lower costs and less sick days, as well as the benefits of less congestion and parking space needed for staff.
Nathan Booth, Assistant Estates Manager (Sustainable Travel) at Queen’s University Belfast said:
“Becoming the first organisation in the UK to achieve the Platinum standard shows that we are being recognised for delivering a range of measures to support and encourage active travel as we progress on our journey to net zero.
“With investment in cycle storage, e-bike charging facilities, the ongoing delivery of the cycle to work scheme, our partnership with campus bike hub ‘Freedom Cycles’ to deliver low-cost bikes and servicing to staff and students, and specific dedicated storage for inclusive cycling, we are proud to be addressing many of the barriers to commuting to work by bike.
“We are especially delighted to be recognised for our Community Bike Rides, which support new cycle commuters at Queen’s and promote active travel among staff and students.”
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Jaz Morse, Senior Acquisition Officer at Cycling UK, spoke of the achievement:
“Queen’s University Belfast has time and again shown their commitment to cycle friendly culture, and we’re delighted to be awarding them the UK’s first ever Platinum accreditation for Cycle Friendly Employer.
“These new state-of-the-art facilities include e-bike battery charging and are accessible to everyone, including those who need non-standard bikes, making Queen’s one-of-its-kind as a workplace. At a time when some workplaces are shying away from e-bike storage, Queens shows it is truly forward-thinking and bold, putting staff affordability, wellbeing and sustainability first.”
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