The nationally recognised Cycling Scotland, Cycle Friendly Community Award recognises communities that have contributed to promoting cycling as a healthy, sustainable travel choice, and sets out a pathway for those committed to becoming Cycle Friendly.
West Lothian Bike Library were invited to apply for the award by their Cycling Scotland Development Officer, following a funding review in recognition of the work they have been doing to make cycling more accessible in West Lothian.
There are 3 levels of award, bronze, silver and gold, which focus on the following areas:
- Plan of Action
- Barriers, Needs & Opportunities
- Funding
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Community Engagement
- Communication & Promotion
- Partnership & Stakeholder Working
Gold level is awarded to those organisations who ‘having fulfilled the requirements for both Bronze and Silver CFCA levels, your community now has a long-term plan in place to develop cycling, influenced by the feedback gained from activities already delivered and through consultation with community members, stakeholders and partners. At this stage your group has given thought to the sustainability of the project. Evidence gathered to date has been used to demonstrate the value of the project, and there is clear and consistent engagement with the wider cycling community.’
WLBL are delighted to have been awarded Gold Level and thank all their volunteers for their commitment and support in achieving this!
2019 brings more inclusive cycling and donations of bikes to those in need, along with some exciting new partnerships e.g. e-bike hires at Linwater caravan park and bike provision to the West Lothian 50 Plus Network, maintenance training including an accredited course in partnership with West Lothian College, and supporting SEStran to broaden the reach of their employer e-bike loan scheme.
