Summary:
UCD Estate Services are pleased to announce that UCD has become the first third level institution in to Ireland achieve Gold Level Certification as a cycle friendly employer by Cycling Solutions Ireland.
Cycling Solutions Ireland are the only EU-licensed and European Cyclist Federation (ECF) Cycle-Friendly Accreditor operating in Ireland. The certification is underpinned by The Cycle-Friendly Employer Certification Framework which has been developed by the ECF and establishes a European standard for bicycle friendliness in the workplace. By achieving this certification, UCD has joined fellow institutions and employers across fourteen European countries, including the Department of Transport.
With the support of the National Transport Authoritys Sustainable Transport Measures Grants and Smarter Travel Campus programmes UCD has significantly invested in pedestrian and cycle friendly facilities in recent years.
Projects delivered include the installation of additional cycle parking at locations throughout the Belfield and Blackrock campuses, bringing the total number of cycle parking spaces to over 5,000, including 172 double tier bicycle parking spaces located at the James Joyce Library and new covered cycle parking at Proby Residences (Blackrock), Newman Building, Health Sciences, Roebuck Castle, Newstead, Richview, Glenomena and the UCD Village.
Additionally, the newly opened pedestrian and cyclist entrance at the R138/N11 brings pedestrians and cyclists into campus in a vehicle free environment via a new shared surface leading from the entrance, past UCD Nova and through Glenomena Student Residences. Improved permeability installed as part of the project also enhances connectivity between the new surfaces, UCD Nova, Belfield House and Glenomena for pedestrians and cyclists.
At the UCD Sports Centre, the roundabout has been upgraded to a pedestrian and cyclist friendly configuration, and vehicle speed reduction measures have been introduced on the road surface. Also as part of this project road resurfacing, markings and filtered permeability measures were instituted in the area around the Oakmount Creche and the Greenfield Gate entrance. The completion of these projects has delivered a key permeability link between Dublin 14 and Dublin 4 outlined in the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan (2013).
Recent events on campus have further supported UCDs position as a cycle friendly employer and institution. As part of Green Week 2022, a cycle tour of campus and a Cycle Clinic were available. UCD Bikes, our on campus bike shop is fully open and participates in the Bike to Work scheme, granting savings on the purchase of bikes and equipment and provides a broad range of pedal and electric bikes for sale. Multiple high quality second hand bikes are also available for sale and UCD Bikes offers a student buy back scheme, where bikes purchased from the shop can be sold back to UCD Bikes at the end of the academic year.
On Thursday 21st April, UCD Smarter Travel will host a Bike Day at the Student Quad (behind the Student Centre) alongside the weekly food market. Drop by for information on cycling to campus, and check out the range of bikes and accessories available from UCD Bikes, learn about the Cycle to Work Scheme and take part in some fun challenges on the day. For more information follow this link.
Check out the carousels below for a selection of images from recent initiatives and projects.
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