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University travelling on the right path to tackle transport issues

Amy Watts receives her award from Councillor Colin Hall, Chairman of North Somerset Council

Amy Watts receives her award from Councillor Colin Hall, Chairman of North Somerset Council Bristol City Council

All the award winners at The West of England Travel Plan Awards

All the award winners at The West of England Travel Plan Awards Bristol City Council

Press release issued: 4 October 2011

Two top transport awards have been awarded to the University of Bristol for its efforts to improve travelling in the city for its students and staff.

The honours were presented at The West of England Travel Plan Awards, hosted by Bristol City Council, to reward organisations that promote sustainable travel to employees and help them to reduce their carbon footprint.

Transport Manager Amy Watts was praised for her work to implement the University’s Travel Plan, which earned her the award for ‘Most Committed Travel Planning Individual’.

And the University’s Free Cycle Surgery Programme was runner-up in the ‘Best Sustainable Travel Event’ category. 

The success follows on from the University winning the ‘Employer of the Year’ award and a Gold award for its innovative and environmentally-friendly staff travel plan at last year’s event.

Amy, Transport Manager in Sustainability, said: “I feel honoured to have received this award. Working in the transport industry is sometimes a thankless task, so it means a great deal to have my work and dedication acknowledged in this way.”

Amy, who began working at the University in May 2007, won the award thanks to her work to improve the travel habits and attitudes of staff and students.

She also works closely with neighbouring businesses, educational establishments, local residents and community groups to enhance travel options and combat issues that prevent sustainable travel.

Initiatives which have been introduced to the University by Amy include:

  • The introduction of the first University bus service, which can also be used by the public.
  • A bus shuttle service jointly-funded between the University and University Hospitals Bristol.
  • A free bicycle surgery where bicycles can be brought for services and minor problem fixing free of charge.
  • New cycle facilities such as bicycle hoops, sheds and on-street parking around the University to encourage cycling.
  • A car sharing scheme for staff.
  • A student car club scheme in partnership with Streetcar.

The Free Cycle Surgery Programme was developed to help fix small problems with bicycles to keep students and staff moving.

Bicycles are brought for services and minor problem fixing, free of charge. Any parts that needed replacing are paid for by staff and students, with the labour being provided free of charge by the mechanic.

Each surgery is supported by mechanics and members of the Bristol University Sustainability Team [BUST], which is formed of students who support sustainability projects and local environmental activism.

A major aim of the surgery is to transfer skills onto cyclists, passing on the confidence and knowledge needed to maintain bikes throughout the University.

Amy added: “I would like to thank Max Wakefield [Students’ Union Vice-President for Community] and the student members of BUST for their commitment and support with the Cycle Surgeries over the last three years and their continued support for this year.”

 

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