Lewis gears up to promote campus cycling
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “The roll-out of the city centre bin hubs, replacing the current domestic waste pink sack collections, will see 92 new communal general waste
A new campus cycling officer is hoping to encourage more Perth College UHI staff and students to take up cycling.
Lewis Melloy (22) from Perth has secured a full-time placement at Perth College UHI until April 2020 – thanks to funding support from Transport Scotland supported by Cycling Scotland.
The former Perth College UHI sports student, who graduated with a BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness, has a remit to look at how to improve and enhance the college’s cycle provision and encourage more members of staff and students to pedal to their place of work and study.
Lewis said: “This is an exciting new role at Perth College UHI and I’m particularly looking forward to providing staff and students with as much possibilities to get healthier by cycling to and from campus if they can.
“I will be evaluating current barriers and containers for residents installed in bin hubs around Perth city centre in the coming weeks.
“The bin hubs have been introduced in response to concerns raised with us about the impact of domestic waste bags left on street for collection.
“Bin sensors to monitor the fill level will be fitted to the 1100 litre bins in the new hubs.
“The first collection from the bin hubs is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19 2019.
“This initiative is part of a smart waste project, jointly funded by the council and the European Regional Development Fund.”
The council’s commercial waste team can’t wait to take forward ideas that will make a difference.”
Lewis will be organising a number of events over the next few months including free ‘Dr Bike’ sessions and cycle-led rides.
He is also looking to update and improve the current cycling facilities on campus, arrange a bike lock swap, bring a fleet of bikes on campus and work closely with local Active Travel hubs and bike shops to encourage more people to cycle to and from the campus.
Sharon McGuire, sector manager sport and fitness added: “This is a great initiative funded by Transport Scotland and supported by Cycling Scotland.
“Active transport (including walking and cycling) by staff and students won’t just help our physical activity levels, it will help staff and students explore the city of Perth.
“There are some great cycle paths around the city and Lewis’s work contribute to the wider Perth and Kinross Active Travel Strategy.” has also written to businesses in the city centre, warning them not to dump commercial waste in these new bins.
The letter said: “These bins are for the use of the domestic households only within the city centre, and should not be used by businesses.
“Please note that it is illegal to dispose of commercial waste through the domestic waste stream, and also to dispose of commercial waste at a recycling centre unless prior permission has been obtained and the appropriate fee paid.
“Regular inspections will be carried out and the appropriate action taken regarding any incorrect waste presentation in Perth city centre and the surrounding areas.”