ON YOUR BIKE!

Staff members of Bahrain Polytechnic have launched a green revolution and are leading by example by using pedal power across the institution's sprawling campus grounds in Isa Town.

They have switched from using their cars and vans to cycling by introducing a fleet of five pre-owned desert bikes in a pilot programme introduced to support a 'fitness and wellness' initiative.

The bikes were purchased at a quarter of their original value from previous owners who advertised them for sale on the notice boards of various supermarkets across the island and are being used by executives, administration workers and even a member of the security team.

The project is being pioneered by Nisbet Smith, 57, director of the polytechnic's professional development centre, who is also leading on other environmental initiatives at the institution.

"Buying secondhand was to 'walk the talk' about trying to reduce the impact on the environment in everything we do. Used products are sometimes not very popular in this part of the world but these cycles are as good as new," he said.

"It is not good enough to say that we believe in this and that. Through our actions we are trying to influence our whole community to change for the better.

"The campus is pretty spread out. One bike is with the security team and they use it for patrols and are cycling around at night with lights on instead of using a van or car.

"We are planning to buy another five bikes and once we have a fleet of 15 we hope to brand them and have them leaning against the various institute buildings so any member of staff can take one and cycle to their next appointment where it can be picked up and used again. We also hope to introduce a cycle track around the campus and close the central area to vehicular traffic. It will improve safety and air quality for all our students and staff.

"It is important that people take personal responsibility for making the best use of the resources we have.

"It cannot be imposed by a government or by an organisation. It has to be at a level of personal and genuine awareness and be part of every day life and thinking.

"I cycle on a Hero bicycle - an old Indian bike that is comfortable and does the job and, most importantly, is environmentally friendly."

Maintenance officer Jaffar Sahwan, 24, security officer Ali Abdul Baqi, 33, library and learning support Jackie Hammill, staff development specialist Greg Hendren, 60, were the first four staff volunteers to cycle around the campus and last week they were joined by graphic designer Amer Bittar, 31. Their new modes of transport have received positive reactions from colleagues, students and lecturers.

Keen cyclist Greg loves his two wheels at work and at play. He regularly cycles between 30 and 60km every weekend with Jackie and other bike enthusiasts of the Awali Club. He added: "When we started cycling I had a little hat that I would 'doff' as I passed students and staff around the campus. It is a good cycling accessory in the middle of summer! The cycle has made it much easier to move around the campus."

Equally enthusiastic Jackie, who owns a road bike and plans to buy a mountain bike next month, said: "I like cycling. My office is in the other end of the campus and I have to do a lot of walking to this side and so the bike is really good. It is much faster and saves my feet.

"I often wear long skirts and cycle and it is fine. So, I don't see any reason why a colleague or a student wearing an abaya should not be as comfortable."

All volunteers had to undergo an hour-long health and safety course on cycle safety that included aspects on wearing a helmet, using the brakes, signals, checking tyre pressure and optimal speed.

Bahrainis Ali and Jaffar, who cycle on weekends with friends, believe it is a good idea and an excellent way to exercise. Ali said: "Initially I felt tired but I have now got used to it and feel fresh."

Jaffar added: "I am confident that this will catch on. Even my grandfather used the cycle and would go to the beach and souk on his cycle. It's back to the future!"

Bahrain Polytechnic is also considering a number of similar initiatives which should also provide it with financial savings. There are plans to purchase modern light diesel vehicles that run on low sulphur diesel, which produce close to zero carbon emissions, to replace any petrol-powered vehicles needed.

Solar powered hot water units, rewards for staff using a car pool, a compost unit, mulching of tree pruning to reduce evaporation of irrigated water around trees, de-powering classrooms, offices and computers when not in use, and changing the default settings of all printers to double-sided and black and white printing are some of the other proposals under discussion.

The institution also offers courses for all students on sustainability and every curriculum involves a study of environmental impact.