UG receives gold certificate for bicycle-friendliness

The University of Groningen has received a gold certificate for the bicycle-friendliness of its organisation. On 12 January the Dutch Cyclists’ Union visited the University for the certification.

The gold certification is based on a check-list which included questions about charge points for e-bikes and the availability of showers and bicycle pumps, but also about the initiatives the UG has taken to stimulate cycling. The UG has several of these initiatives, including bicycles which can be used and borrowed by university staff, the Bicycle Incentive Scheme, and participation in the national initiative Rij2op5 , which stimulates employees to commute to work by bicycle at least 2 out of 5 working days. All of these initiatives are part of the Sustainability Roadmap, in which the UG has formulated its objectives regarding sustainability.

Bicycle initiatives to prevent road works nuisance  

Besides considerations regarding sustainability, the future roadworks on the Groningen ring road also play a role. Employees commuting to work by car will experience nuisance as a consequence of these roadworks. Travelling by (electric) bike can be a suitable alternative to travelling by car, and to stimulate cycling the UG has made several e-bikes available which UG-employees can use free of charge for two weeks.