Cycle stand boost for campus

The new facilities have been developed as part of the University’s Cycling Strategy and general commitment to green travel. The new cycle stands have been installed across the St Luke’s campus, located conveniently for the library, sports centre and academic buildings. The new facilities include four new covered cycle shelters and an increase in the amount of secure, locked cycle parking. CCTV has been stepped up in the area, which has high levels of natural surveillance to counter possible theft. 

Karen Gallagher, Sustainability Manager at the University of Exeter says: “The provision of good quality cycle parking is essential if we are to encourage staff and students to cycle to the campus. We have worked with Cycle Exeter to produce a cycling strategy for the University, and have made sure that cycling is at the heart of our 10 year sustainable travel plan. We are excited about opening these new stands, and hope to see increased numbers of cyclists on all our campuses.”

A launch event took place organised by Julia Jack, the University’s new Sustainability Intern who is supporting sustainable transport and communication. Sidwell Cycles ran a free Dr Bike clinic to safety check bikes, there was free police security marking for bikes and Cycle Exeter were on hand to give out cycling information and advice. The University sold subsidised cycle locks for staff and students for £5 (worth £35). 

Around 6% of University staff cycle to work regularly and 9% of students claim to cycle ‘often’. Staff can claim back business travel mileage at a rate of 20p per mile if they used a bicycle. The University is signed up to Cyclescheme – a Government tax break scheme, enabling staff to purchase a bike through their employer as a salary sacrifice programme. 

The University has an active Bicycle User Group, UniCycle, for staff while the University Bike Club run by students runs leisure bike rides to encourage more students to explore the city by bike.  Cycle Exeter provides Travel Information Packs for new students. Special events help to promote cycling on campus throughout the year.

Devon County Council’s Cycle Exeter project is working towards making Exeter a cycle friendly city. Over the past two years, more than £200,000 has been spent on installing new cycle parking. Other improvements include the construction of new cycle lanes, investment in adult and child cycle training, and support for schools and businesses. This has resulted in a 37% increase in cycling across the city.