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Queen’s University Belfast has received a Gold standard in Cycling UK’s Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation (CFE-UK).
The CFE-UK was developed within the EU project ‘Bike2Work’, with Cycling UK the recognised provider for the UK.
It is the only international standard for workplace cycling, working in partnership with countries across Europe, and site auditing and advisory work is also provided by Sustrans for organisations in Northern Ireland.
Organisations must meet a range of measures to demonstrate cycle-friendliness, including communications, training and incentives for staff as well as physical facilities such as secure cycle parking, showers and changing rooms.
Matt Mallinder, director of influence and engagement for Cycling UK, said: “We are delighted to officially accredit Queen’s University as a Gold standard Cycle Friendly Employer.
“We’ve been very impressed with the University’s facilities and the cycle-friendly culture that has been created, as well as their ongoing commitment to improve their surroundings, increase sustainable travel throughout the organisation and make the University cycle-friendly for all staff and students.
“As the first fully accredited CFE-UK organisation in the country, Queen’s University’s approach to removing barriers to cycling is a positive example that other organisations can learn from.”
Gordon Clarke, Sustrans Northern Ireland director, said: “Northern Ireland has piloted this Cycle Friendly Employer scheme which we hope will become a much sought-after accolade for all workplaces throughout the UK.
“It is appropriate that a prestigious seat of learning like Queen’s University Belfast should be the first recipient and has set the bar high for other employers to aspire to.”
