Cycling was the focus of several events at Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus recently.
On Wednesday 18 April the Falkirk Active Travel Hub arrived to host an ‘Active Travel Surgery’ to give advice to anyone who was interested in changing their mode of transport to college or how to use their car less.
On Thursday 19 April the Falkirk Active Travel Club were back to provide a free bike servicing service to staff and students to ensure their bikes are safe to ride. The group also brought in some e-bikes – which can now be bought through the Cycle To Work Scheme – to offer test rides for those interested.
During the lunch break on the same day the first of a series of staff and student led bike rides set off for an easy five mile bike ride along the canal to the Kelpies and back to the Campus.
Dylan Rendall, FVC’s Cycling Officer, said: “It was great to welcome the Falkirk Active Travel Hub to the college again and they were brilliant offering advice and information on how to increase interest in cycling. It was great fun to take part in the cycle rides. The e-bikes we used get up to a good speed with very little effort and the hills were no bother whatsoever. We are looking for more members of staff and students to get involved in the up and coming led cycle rides.”
Dr Morag Prach, Cycling Scientist, said: “What a difference good weather makes and it was a hugely positive and engaging day at Forth Valley College in Falkirk. The Bike Doctor gave a clean bill of health to four out of the six bikes that were checked, with only minor maintenance required for the remaining two. This was followed by an easy paced five mile led ride to the Kelpies to try out a couple of electric bikes, woohoo!”
The Falkirk Travel Hub are booked in to do led cycles on 9 and 10 May. Anyone interested should contact Dylan on dylan.rendall@forthvalley.ac.uk There are only eight spaces available so booking will be on a first come first come basis. Bikes (including e-bikes) can be borrowed if needed.