Swansea University has become the first organisation in Wales to achieve Gold standard in Cycling UK’s Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation for its work in promoting the benefits of cycling to staff.

The Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation (CFE-UK) was developed within the EU project ‘Bike2Work’, with Cycling UK the recognised provider for the UK. CFE-UK is the only international standard for workplace cycling, working in partnership with countries across Europe.

The accreditation which comes during Bike Week (8-16 June), is valid for three years and recognises the University for successes across key areas including:

• Providing information to staff on initiatives such as cycle training, events, and the in-house Ride Leadership programme offering information on routes and bike-buddy schemes.
• Coordinating cycling promotion by adopting a Sustainable Travel Plan.
• Making services available to staff such as bike maintenance, repair, testing and anti-theft protection and providing bike hire service across the city through the Santander Cycle scheme.
• Providing excellent facilities like bike parking areas along with staff showers and changing rooms.
• Managing the need for staff to park their car at either site, instead offering great incentives to cycle such as a bike millage allowance and free use of the Santander scheme between campuses.

James Palser from Cycling UK said:

“Swansea University is clearly leading the way in Wales with their active commitment to improving conditions for cycling. As one of Swansea’s largest journey generators, it won’t be just students and staff who benefit, but also the whole city.

“Wales was the first nation in the world to place active travel at the heart of its legislation with the Active Travel Act, and Cycling UK is delighted to see Swansea University following in the footsteps of this ground breaking legislation by becoming the Cycle Friendly accredited employer in Wales. The University clearly recognises its contribution to protecting and enhancing its surroundings and wider city environment, as cycling can reduce congestion and improve air quality.”

Swansea University’s Sustainable Travel Officer, Jayne Cornelius said:

“I am really proud that Swansea University has become not only the first University but the first employer in Wales to achieve a Gold level Cycle Friendly Employer accreditation (CFE-UK). This is the result of fantastic efforts and hard work from a wonderful body of cyclists, Ride Leaders and colleagues who have supported our Sustainable Travel Plan by promoting active travel in the workplace and the local community.”