Green Gown Awards 2014 - Best Newcomer - Glasgow Caledonian University - Highly Commended

reCYCLE: a Glasgow Commonwealth GamesLegacy project

Glasgow Caledonian University has set the wheels in motion for a project where bikes are transforming lives. reCYCLE has been recognised as contributing to a 2014 Games Legacy for Glasgow in opening up opportunities for teenagers, whether it’s setting them on the path to a healthier lifestyle, helping them learn new skills or providing an affordable mode of transport.

reCYCLE began with a donation appeal to staff, students and alumni for their unwanted bikes. Subsequent appeals took place in Evans as part of their trade-in scheme and TISO for clothing and kit. Donated bikes were stripped for spare parts or made roadworthy by young people from local organisation SiMY Community Development under the training and guidance of Glasgow Bike Station mechanics.

The University is on target to have trained 15 young people and equip them with 15 bikes but the reach is far greater with SiMY involving more of their young people in cycling and bike maintenance.

Top 3 learnings

1 Ensure the project answers a community need which also aligns with the institution’s strategic objectives
2 Bring committed partners on board from the outset to deliver a lasting legacy for the project
3 Have an engaging campaign to get buy-in from staff, students and the wider university community.

What the judges say ...

An interesting project which is developing the University’s community links through a focus on health and well-being and sustainable travel. A great legacy of the Commonwealth Games.

What it means to win ...

“We are delighted to be recognised for reCYCLE as the project is an outstanding example
of our University’s commitment to our social mission, to work for the common good. It was a community engagement initiative that made a real difference to people’s lives, and by using refurbished bikes, highlighted the importance of sustainability and healthy living.”

Professor Pamela Gillies CBE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Videos

• reCYCLE: a Glasgow Commonwealth GamesLegacy project (click to hide)