Leeds bike loan scheme expands across universities

Students will start pedalling around Leeds in ever greater numbers this term, as a successful bike loan scheme expands in size.

Velocampus Leeds will almost double its fleet of bikes to 350 - a year on from becoming the first scheme of its kind in the UK - to help students at The University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan University get around more actively.

The loan scheme is part of UTravelActive, a Lottery funded project led by sustainable transport charity Sustrans with additional funding from the two universities, NHS Leeds and Leeds City Council.

Students who benefited in its inaugural year included Tamara Bloom, who was a novice cyclist when she started cycling her daily commute from Chapel Allerton.

Tamara, aged 24, said: "I've found riding a bike to be the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to travel as well as the most enjoyable - much more fun than a crowded bus! It's also been the best way of getting exercise rather than having to find time to get to the gym or go for a jog."

University of Leeds student John Pelletier also cycled to university every day, often beating the buses and cars on his journey in, and saving £3.20 in daily bus fares.

He said: "I'd recently lost weight and wanted to keep it off - and was really pleased to shed even more pounds by cycling to university every day."

The 21-speed hybrid bikes are security stamped and coded. Each bike will be loaned out for the year, complete with lights and lock, on a first come first served basis.

UTravelActive project manager Lisa Brannan said: "We have been delighted with the take-up from students for this scheme. Cycling is the healthiest, most convenient and cheapest way for so many students to get to and from campus - and will also help to reduce traffic congestion throughout the day."

Other UTravelActive activities include safer route planning and advice; self-help bike maintenance sessions; and bike buddying social rides, walks and events where novice cyclists team up with someone more experienced.

For more information on UTravelActive, contact Lisa Brannan at l.r.brannan@leeds.ac.uk or on 0113 343 6573.