Robert Gordon University

Creating inclusive cycling culture at RGU

As part of the University’s sustainability objectives and journey to net zero, Robert Gordon University (RGU) promotes sustainable travel with a particular focus on Cycling.

Through activities offering free cycling training, bike repairs, and aiding with Bikeability among community groups, to hosting refurbished bike sales and supporting the student-led service, BikePad, RGU have been successful in promoting cycling as one of the best forms of carbon-reducing travel.

Since September 2023, nearly 500 staff and students have been reached with cycling initiatives, including those who may not typically have had access to bikes in the first place or had the opportunity to learn how to cycle.

By ensuring inclusivity in its approach, RGU has been able to trigger a modal shift in the way people think about cycling, providing an alternative form to single occupancy car journeys and making a change for both the environment and health and wellbeing of staff and students. 

Top 3 Learnings

1. We can provide the skills required to boost cycling training and provide bikes/maintenance/equipment; however, to see a modal shift to cycling on a large scale, cycling infrastructure needs to be made across the City to ensure safe routes.
2. The window for running the project has been fairly small due to the weather in December/January and the limited number of students on campus over the Summer – thus it’s most important to start engagement in term 1 when there are more students and staff on campus.
3. Utilising the help of partners has made a significant difference in the success of our project, so using existing networks is one of our key recommendations.