The University of Winchester has pledged support for the newly-launched Winchester Cycling Charter.
The Charter is a statement of the benefits that cycling can bring to a city, its businesses, schools and citizens, supporting local business, boosting economic productivity and contributing to the wellbeing of our workforce.
"As the University for sustainability and social justice, Winchester has long supported sustainable travel and transport options, including cycling, for our students and staff, with a number of initiatives helping to reduce our environmental impact and contribute to a sustainable future," said The Reverend Professor Elizabeth Stuart, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University.
"Supporting the Winchester Cycling Charter further demonstrates our commitment to a more sustainable way of doing business."
The University is also a sponsor of Winchester's Handlebar Café and bike workshop, which is managed by Bespoke Biking and offers refreshments, bike repairs, accessories and information on walks and rides around the area.
The University has a range of facilities for students and staff to encourage cycling, providing cycle parking racks, cycle lockers, showering blocks and bike maintenance stands and an electric bike available to hire on campus. A 'Bike Doctor' visits monthly to provide free bike maintenance clinics. Students secure a 10 per cent discount in local cycle shops and have the support of Winchester Bike Hub which carries out bike repairs, and runs maintenance classes, training sessions and rides. Staff are offered tax free loans for purchases of new cycles and accessories.
"When you consider the research into positive aspects of enabling more cycling it is obvious that it improves both the physical and psychological wellbeing of employees, leading to reduced absenteeism," said Rob Jordan, a member of the Winchester Cycling Charter team.
"Add to this the benefits of reduced congestion, less pollution and reduced health-care costs for society and you begin to see that cycling can unlock the city and keep business thriving."
The Winchester Cycling Charter can be found at https://winchestercyclingcharter.org.uk/
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