THE University of Glasgow have been criticised over their lack of commitment to the environment following their climate emergency declaration.

Cycling campaigners have hit out at bosses over their lack of support for a segregated cycle lane on University Avenue in the West End.

Earlier this month, the university became the first institution in Scotland to declare a climate emergency, stating: “In taking this stand we are affirming our belief that urgent action is needed to tackle climate change.”

As part of this announcement, bosses claimed that additional actions had been taken to “address sustainable travel” on campus.

READ MORE: University of Glasgow declares climate emergency

However, despite a petition garnering hundreds of signatures, active travel campaigners claim students and commuters have been left disappointed by the absence of a safe route for cycling through campus.

Campaigners now claim the university have ‘back-pedalled’ on their environmental commitments.

John Donnelly, c-convenor of GoBike, the Strathclyde Cycle Campaign, said: “After years spent struggling to secure space for people of all ages and abilities to cycle on Byres Road, we genuinely believed that Glasgow had turned a corner in terms of sustainable transport.

“However, you literally turn the corner at Byres Road and we are having to make the same arguments all over again. Research consistently shows that the greatest barrier to cycling in this country is safety. The fact that the University of Glasgow is choosing to ignore this makes a mockery of their climate commitments.

“GoBike is calling for University Avenue to be made safe for cycling so anyone of age and ability who wants to cycle has the opportunity to do so safely.”

READ MORE: Thousands of pupils strike in demand for action on climate change

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change (IPCC) report made specific reference to walking and cycling as a pathway to help ensure the planet remains habitable. However, Glasgow retains one of lowest rates of cycling amongst European cities.

Others have echoed calls for the university to act fast on tackling the climate emergency, following their declaration.

Green councillor for Hillhead, Martha Wardrop, said: “It makes sense to have a segregated cycle lane on University Avenue. This is needed to get people out of their cars and onto bikes.

“They have been working on being fossil free and have divested from fossil fuels, so there is obviously a willingness there to meet targets.

“But people want work done quicker. I hope the university will be ambitious and look again at the work going on.”

On Tuesday evening the University of Glasgow will hold an open event discussing their approach to sustainability, including active travel.

Read more of today's top Glasgow stories.

A consultation on proposed changes to university avenue is also open until June 7.

A University of Glasgow spokesperson said: “Full cycle segregation was considered in the initial discussion and consultation around the Campus Development Framework and as part of our campus masterplan, however it was not found to be an option due to a number of factors including technical constraints of the space required.

"However, through our Campus Development Programme, the Avenue will be improved for cyclists by the the removal of on-street parking and implementation of a permanent 20mph speed limit.

"We are confident we are implementing a design that best balances the needs of all.”