Pictured left to right is Rory Hill, Sustainability Project Manager for the Central and South of Scotland College Partnership at EAUC, Oliver Caron-Nowak, Campus Cycle Officer at Borders College, and Robert Hewitt, Director of Estates and Facilities at Borders College.
A project aimed at making cycling more accessible to staff and students at Borders College has been a rolling success.
In 2023, with funding from Transport Scotland, the College implemented a new Campus Cycling Officer role. The aim was to provide facilities on campus to promote cycling and services and improve the confidence of staff and students on two wheels.
The project has seen several improvements to facilities, with plans for further investment on the cards.
Recently, funding obtained through Cycling Scotland saw a total of £9,600 awarded through the Cycling Friendly and Social Housing Development fund. £11,500 was also received from Cycling UK.
The money has helped establish provisions such as a secure, covered bicycle shelter, a public bike repair station, free maintenance courses, and Dr Bike tune-up sessions.
In addition, new e-bikes, a dedicated e-bike battery charging locker, and cycling accessories are now available for use on the Galashiels campus.
Events have also taken place to raise awareness of the benefits of cycling, including the Bike Bus, a led ride from the Galashiels campus to the town centre every Tuesday and Thursday. The recent SEStran GO e-bike event was held to Promote the fun, convenience, usefulness, and environmental advantages of e-bikes to employees.
