Click the link to view and download a handy map of Lancaster and Bailrigg Campus to find cycle routes, parking and shower facilties in and around Lancaster.
Cycling
The number of people who commute to campus by bicycle is increasing year-on-year and it's easy to see why. With picturesque views along the cycle paths, free cycle parking and many more benefits, around 500 staff and more than 1000 students enjoy cycling to campus as their main mode of travel.
Staff can find out more about the range of travel flexible benefits on offer on the Flexible Benefits Intranet pages.
Dr. Bike; Keeping you on track
You'll find Doctor Bike maintenance and repair services in Alexandra Square every Thursday in term-time. Endorsed by Green Lancaster, the University's partnership with the Students' Union for student engagement, there's a range of cycle accessories such as D-locks to Sold Secure Silver rating, lights, helmets, pumps and gloves for sale and expert advice from fully qualified bike mechanics.
If you don't own a bike but are interested in cycling, the Big Bike Sale is held in the first two weeks of October where you can pick up a nearly new or reconditioned bike at unbeatable prices.
Dr. BikeCycling to campus
If you're travelling to and from campus by bike, or thinking about cycling as a healthy alternative to other travel modes, take a look at the cycling map below and join our vast community of likeminded cyclist via our cycle mail list.
The benefits are clear to see
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The country's best haven for cyclists
A recent independent survey named Lancaster as the country's best haven for cyclists. It was also one of the six locations in England to become a Cycling Demonstration Town as part of a national scheme in 2005.
With two signed cycle routes between campus and the city centre, both with traffic-free sections, the journey takes just 20 minutes from the city centre - why travel any other way?
Free parking in over 80 locations
Following further additions in 2021, there are over 1500 dedicated bicycle parking spaces, across more than 80 locations on campus. Most cycle shelters are open access. Secure shelters are generally managed by the department or college in which they are located and can be accessed by contacting your College Manager or Departmental Officer.
Cycle Parking and Security
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General advice on bike parking
Parking your bike on campus is easy but following these general guidelines will improve your experience.
- Please park at the dedicated bicycle parking stands only.
- Remove any valuable accessories such as lights and panniers when your bike is parked.
- Bike locks can be left unused at bike stands for up to 4 days at a time.
- Bikes should not be stored indoors.
- Bike parking is for regular cyclists so please use your cycle frequently if parked on campus.
- Take care to avoid any cycle trailers or large cycles from causing an obstruction to others.
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Advice on bike security
We aim to provide a safe and secure campus at all times. Unfortunately, unlocked or poorly secured bicycles can be a target for thieves. To enhance the security of your bicycle whilst parked on campus and help deter thieves, please follow our advice on bicycle security:
- Always lock your cycle when leaving it, even if it's only for a few minutes.
- Use a D-shaped bicycle lock that is approved by Sold Secure to at least a Silver-rated standard. Find out more about Sold Secure and approved locks.
- Use two locks at the same time to double your protection.
- Secure your bicycle lock(s) around the frame and the cycle stand. Secure your wheels to the cycle stand if you can.
- Always properly secure your bicycle even if it is stored in a secure locked cycle store.
Find more bicycle security tips from Lancashire Constabulary.
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Access to secure cycle stores on campus
Students - all the colleges, apart from Bowland College, have secure cycle stores in locked compounds. Access to college secure cycle stores is available to any student resident on campus in that college. Each college’s Accommodation Team will be able to provide you with details of how to access these facilities.
Staff – we are working hard to improve secure cycle parking facilities for staff. Additional secure cycle stores for staff were added in 2020 and 2021. Some areas/departments have secure cycle stores exclusively for staff use working in those areas. Additional secure cycle stores continue to be added through the estate capital development programme. Information on how staff can access secure bike stores will be available on the website soon.
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View cycle parking locations
View all the dedicated areas for bicycle parking on campus in the Cycling & walking map.
Useful Information
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Locker, drying and changing facilities
Details of showering and changing facilities are available on the Campus Cycling Map. These facilities can be used by all.
College areas and some departmental areas have secure storage lockers which can be used by those cycling to campus.
We are striving to provide more storage locker facilities as well as drying facilities for wet items of clothing. These are expected to be very popular with cycle commuters. Information on such facilities will be added to this page when additional facilities are provided over the coming months and years.
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Where can I get my bike repaired?
A weekly Dr. Bike and bike maintenance service operates during each term in Alexandra Square.
On the Lancaster Dynamo website, you can find out about other local bicycle repair services.
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Is there anywhere I can get a shower on campus?
All shared showering facilities on campus are now open. Signage is in place providing instructions for their use during the pandemic. Disinfectant and disposable cloths will be provided in the shower areas for the user to wipe down the shower afterwards. In addition, the University cleaners are cleaning these facilities daily.
The locations and room numbers of showering facilities can be found on the University Cycling Map.
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Staff can save up to 39% on a new bike and accessories
Save between 25% and 39% on the cost of a new bicycle and cycling accessories via monthly salary deduction. Enrol on the Cycle to Work Scheme through Flexible Benefits. This great staff benefit is now available all year round for purchases totalling up to £2500.
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Business bicycle mileage
Business Bicycle Mileage Guidelines
- Staff can claim 20p/mile tax-free for journeys undertaken on an employee's own bicycle when the journey is for business purposes.
- This does not apply to commuting journeys to and from work.
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Where can I cycle on campus?
Cyclists can use a network of cycle paths across the campus in addition to using the campus roads. These routes are clearly signed and are also indicated on the University Cycling Map.
Other paths on campus are for pedestrians.
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Join the digital cycling community on campus
Join our network of staff and student cycle commuters via Microsoft Teams and receive the latest updates from the University, share ideas and knowledge and speak with likeminded cyclists. Join the Cycling Group on Teams.
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Love to Ride
Love to Ride Lancaster University Profile
Staff can sign up to Love to Ride for free, record and track their cycling mileage and activity and compare it with fellow cyclists. Prizes are occasionally on offer too.
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Where can I get some cycle training?
The University occasionally delivers free cycle maintenance training. Details of these will be posted here if available.
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Electric scooters and electric skateboards
Under the UK Road Traffic Act, privately owned electric scooters and electric skateboards are illegal to use on UK highways. This includes public roads, pavements and cycle paths.
The UK Government has now legalised hired electric scooters in certain areas of the country where trials are taking place for their use on public roads and cycle paths. Lancaster is not one of these trial areas.
To maximise road safety and legal compliance, the use of electric scooters and electric skateboards is not permitted on campus. This applies whether on campus roads, cycle paths, footpaths or other pedestrian areas.
We suggest that you consider using a bicycle or an electric bicycle instead.
- Useful links