West Dunbartonshire Council has achieved a national award in recognition of its commitment to increasing cycling.

The local authority had to meet 11 criteria to qualify for the Cycle Friendly Employer Award from Cycling Scotland, including offering pool bikes and cycle parking for staff, and promoting cycling for business travel.

Councillor Patrick McGlinchey, convener of the Council’s Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development Committee, said: “We all know we need to do our bit to mitigate our contribution to climate change, and that’s why the council has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint by more than 5,000 tonnes by 2019/20.

"Encouraging our staff to use bikes where possible as an alternative to taking the car will help us achieve that, as well as promoting the active and healthy lifestyle we want our employees and residents to enjoy.”

Councillor David McBride, Vice-Convener of the committee, added: “It is fantastic to see the council’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact recognised in this way. The Cycle Friendly Employer Award is well-established in Scotland, and with continuing pressures on fuel resources has an important part to play in encouraging green transport. I must congratulate everyone involved in achieving this award.”

Mark Kiehlmann, Development Officer at Cycling Scotland, said: “Working with West Dunbartonshire Council has been a joy and I am delighted to award them Cycle Friendly Employer Award status. By implementing simple measures to support cycling in the workplace the Council will have a healthy, happy and productive workforce.”