Leeds City College is first gold standard bike friendly FE institution in West Yorkshire

Leeds City College has become the first further education provider in West Yorkshire to be accredited as a gold standard bike friendly business.

The award by CityConnect, allows the college to apply for funding to further invest in bike facilities such as showers, drying cupboards and lockers.

Quentin Whitaker, Deputy Head of Estates & Facilities at Leeds City College, said: “We want to promote cycling as an alternative and healthy method of commuting and encourage as many staff as possible to do so.

“We already have fantastic initiatives at college such as drop-in sessions for staff to have their bikes serviced, maintenance courses and tool kits available. We also have a ‘cycling champion’ on every campus, who endorse cycling through various activities.

“We have seen an increase in staff taking part in Cycle September, and we plan to introduce cycle outings and buy electric bikes for staff to borrow and test. Our focus is on reducing single occupier car journeys from 54% to 45% through cycling, car sharing and public transport.”

Over 3% of Leeds City College employees currently cycle to work, which the college aims to double by 2020.