The Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) was recognized as a "bicycle-friendly employer" during the Energy and Sustainability Day in Friedberg. Sigrid Hubert and Bertram Giebeler from the state board of Hesse in the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) presented the silver recognition to members of the presidium , university sport and sustainability management. It is valid for three years and should be an incentive to make it to the gold award in the future.
"People still have to ride a bike themselves - but the employer ensures good and comfortable conditions," said Giebeler, summarizing the requirements for the certificate. The reality, however, is stricter: In May, the THMsites Gießen and Friedberg, for which the certificate applies, were subjected to an audit. Above all, the infrastructure was examined, from storage areas to showers and lockers to repair options - the THM scored "very good" there. The auditor received information on two-wheeler events for employees and students, from the bicycle campaign day to sporty bike tours or participation in city cycling. It was also important to take a look at the mobility aspects in the sustainability strategy. Universities, as major employers and as multipliers, have a doubly important role in communicating sustainable mobility, according to Giebeler.
Christina Paulencu from university sport gave an overview of offers and events related to bikes and drew attention to its uncomplicated availability - the ASten of the THM and JLU offer more than 360 rental bikes at 17 stations with the operator Nextbike. From the point of view of sustainability management, the large catchment area for commuters plays an important role, according to director Juliane Wegner. In local mobility, the bike is an excellent alternative. On medium-haul routes, it is a municipal task to increase attractiveness.
The audit also included advice and, as a result, a list of suggestions for improvement: In order to receive a gold certificate in three years, the purchase of company bicycles is recommended, as is the introduction of bicycle leasing. It is also proposed to provide additional lighting in the parking spaces and to make it easier to see how to get there by bike, both on the website and on the cycle paths.