Forth Valley College staff embarked on a three campus cycle quest this week (Wednesday 17 August).
Organised to promote alternative ways of commuting to work, while encouraging health and wellbeing, the cycle which started at 10am, took on a full circular route of 40 miles stopping off at all three FVC Campuses in Falkirk, Alloa and Stirling, and returning to Falkirk around 3.30pm.
The ride - organised and led by FVC Active Travel Officer, Craig Coull – also included representatives from FVC’s partner organisations Falkirk Council and Paths For All, with ride leader support on the day from Recyke-a-bike.
In total, there were 12 participants who joined the ride with an array of bikes, including a penny-farthing.
All participants received a free water bottle, draw string bag and t-shirt, with the College’s hospitality team providing traybakes, fruit and drinks to keep the riders fuelled throughout the event.
Paths For All provided the funding through their Smart Choices, Smarter Places fund for the Active Travel Officer role. Paths For All’s aim is to support people in Scotland to be active every day. Falkirk Council work with FVC on initiatives to engage staff and students in active travel.
During the cycle a support vehicle was available at various points along the route carrying food, water and essential bike repair equipment. The ride was also completed at a speed to keep everyone together, so no rider was left behind and the ride leaders were able to provide essential mechanical support and puncture repair if necessary along the way.
Craig Coull, FVC’s Active Travel Officer, said: “We were delighted to hold this event to promote active travel and encourage more people to consider using their bike to commute or for regular short journeys.
"This event has been something I have wanted to deliver since starting my Active Travel Officer role at the start of the year, so to finally have it going ahead is really exciting! Having the support of the College and our brilliant partners has been vital to allow the event to come together."
Graham McQueen, the Manager for Smarter Choices, Smarter Places, who also completed the ride, said: “At Paths for All we want everyone to have the opportunity to walk every day, creating a happier, healthier and greener Scotland. Within Paths for All, I manage the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme which supports public, third and community organisations to walk, wheel or cycle as part of their everyday short journeys or by supporting people to use sustainable travel choices for longer journeys. It's great to see Forth Valley College commit to encouraging and supporting their staff and students to travel sustainably. We all need to change the way we live to combat the climate crisis and travelling more sustainably is one of the most effective changes we can make.”