Firmscanget £25kfrom cyclingfund

Employers in the Stirling area were this week invited to apply for grants of up to £25,000 from a £1 million fund to improve cycling in Scotland.

Cash from the Cycle Friendly Development Fund, delivered by Cycling Scotland with funding from Transport Scotland, can be used for projects which encourage staff and visitors to travel by bike.

Money from the pot can be spent on installing or enhancing cycle parking, increasing capacity and/or security and upgrading minor workplace specific pedestrian/ cyclist access routes.

There is also scope to use the cash to create showers and changing facilities for staff who commute on bikes, and buy a `bike hire fleet’ .

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “We want the people of Scotland to look on active travel and cycling to work as the preferred option for getting about because it’s easy, healthy and great for our environment.

“I would urge people in companies and organisations to consider this fund and how it can help them introduce changes which will make taking the bike even easier.”

Cycling Scotland spokesman Katharine Brough, said last financial year the scheme awarded 33 employers a total of £357,185, benefiting workplaces at 53 locations across Scotland.

“We encourage all businesses to consider applying but particularly those located close to ... new cycling infrastructure,” she added.

“More people are likely to choose to commute by bike as infrastructure improves so it’s likely there will be a greater demand for cycling facilities in nearby workplaces.“