Scotland environment rep helps members get on their bikes
Prospect environment rep Tom Proudfoot of the National Library of Scotland has been working hard to encourage colleagues to get on their bikes, with support from a “Bundle of joy” cyclists’ pack to which the union contributed.
Prospect provided bags and coasters for the pack, worth over £50, which also contained a bell; repair kit; high-visibility wrist slaps; seat cover; high-visibility rucksack cover; a bike multitool; and maps of Edinburgh.
It was all made possible by a grant from Cycling Scotland, along with donations from Prospect, Sustrans, Edinburgh City Council and the Bike Station.
Tom sent out 40 packs to members of the NLS bike users’ group.
As part of his work to encourage colleagues to go green, he has also:
- linked up NLS’s Health at Work group with an “active travel” representative from the cycling campaign group Sustrans
- raised a number of issues with management about additional storage and parking
- brought up the question of interest free travel loans for buses and trains.
He helped organise a “Dr Bike” session in April, run by the Bike Station, a Scottish organisation that provides a range of services for employers to promote cycling and sustainable transport. Over a dozen bikes were given the once over and advice handed out, with one bike declared a death-trap.
There is now also a community toolbox at the library for staff who need to make emergency bike repairs.
Tom is also encouraging staff to take part in a mass Pedal on Parliament event in Edinburgh on Saturday April 26 at noon, setting off from the Meadows.
Prospect environment reps and network
- Tom is one of more than 70 members who have already volunteered as Prospect environment reps in their workplace. Other members interested in doing this can email [email protected]
- Prospect also has an environment network for anyone interested in green issues – sign up at [email protected]