- Commuting
- Cycling and Walking Maps
- University Cycle Routes
- Cycle Parking
- Shower Facilities
- Cycling Information for Staff
- University Bike Workshop
- Lancaster Cycle Demonstration Town
- University Cycle Days
- Bicycle Users Group
- Other Links
Commuting
Commuting by bicycle to Lancaster University is very popular, for students as well as staff. Currently, over 14% of staff cycle to campus as their main mode of travel and over 10% of off-campus students do too. These figures are well above average. So why do so many staff and students, as well as local visitors, cycle to and from the University?
Lancaster University has a Travel Plan in place to encourage and enable more cycling;
- There are two signed University cycle routes between campus and the city centre, both with significant off-road sections;
- There is a variety of cycle storage facilities across the campus;
- Many staff and students live within ideal cycling distance of the University;
- Lancaster was a Cycling Demonstration Town from 2006-2011, with significant investment in improvements for cyclists;
- The University has a restrictive car parking policy for students;
Cycle commuters at Lancaster University also recognise that cycling is:
- Healthy
- Fun
- Cheap
- Avoids traffic congestion on the A6 and other routes
- Have no problems with parking
- Is usually just as quick as driving or using the bus if traveling from the city.
Cycling & Walking Maps
A new walking and cycling map for the campus and surrounding area is available. The map features routes, cycle parking and showering facilities on campus and as well as a route map showing the wider walking and cycling network between campus and the city. Details of the cycling elements of GreenLancaster are also featured as well as some general cycling tips.
Click here to download a PDF of the map or collect a hard copy of the map from one either the GreenLancaster Hub, the Library travel information stand, LUSU travel information stand or the main Security Reception
The map has been funded by the Lancaster & Morecambe CDT Project.
- Lancaster University Cycling and Walking Map
- Cycling and walking in Lancaster's urban areas
- Cycling information for the entire Lancaster District
- Cycling for all a guide to six attractive cycling routes in and around Lancaster (2.30Mb Acrobat pdf document)
University Cycle Routes
There are now two University-signed cycle routes between the University and the city centre, both with large sections on traffic-free cycle paths.
The eastern route via Bowerham
The southerly section of this route uses a mixture of traffic-free cycle paths and quiet roads. It enters the campus at the northern end, close to Bailrigg House. The northerly section of the route through Bowerham is more hilly and moderately trafficked. It is a very popular and well-used commuter route by both staff and students.
The western route along the Lancaster Canal towpath
This new route was introduced in January 2008, along a newly resurfaced canal towpath - great for students living at Chancellors' Wharf or west of the city centre. This less-direct route offers a lovely scenic ride along the canal towpath as far as Deep Cutting Bridge on Ashton Road. The route then proceeds along Ashton Road and up Ashford Road to cross the A6 at The Boot & Shoe pub/Booths and join the remainder of the eastern cycle route from Hala to the University. See LU News for further details.
Please note that the canal towpath is unlit and should not be used when dark. Cyclists must also have a permit to cycle on the canal towpath and should follow the safety recommendations of British Waterways. Permits are free and easily available from British Waterways: Please read the Waterways Code for cyclists.
The completion of an alternative western route via Haverbreaks is also looking very likely for the near future. More information will appear when available.
Cycle parking
Cycle parking improvements will be made across the campus over the next few years. Recent improvements have been made, including:
- Cycle shelters and stands at County South
- Sheltered cycle parking at the new ISS building
- New secure cycle parking at Chancellor's Wharf
- New cycle parking at the Sports Centre
Shower facilities for cyclists
- Please see the attached document for details of the shower facilities at the University PDF document
Cycling Information for Staff
Staff can save up to 41% on the purchase of a new bicycle and cycling accessories and pay for via monthly salary deducation. For more information see:
Free Staff Parking Scratchcards for Staff Cycle Commuters
15 free Staff Scratchcards (pro-rata for part-time staff) are only available to staff that choose not to purchase an annual or termly car parking permit or bus pass and whose usual mode of travel to work is not by car or bus. A member of staff cannot claim the 15 free scratchcards and purchase an annual or termly permit or a subsidised bus pass in the same permit year. These will therefore cater for regular cycling, motorcycle or walking commuters.
From 2012/13, the Staff Scratchcards will be restricted for use only in that particular year. It will no longer be possible for roll over unused Staff Scratchcards to a following year.
Eligible staff should claim these in person from the Car Parking Office in Security and do so by 30th November 2012; the responsibility to do this rests with the individual member of staff.
Full information is available in Section 17 of the Car Parking Policy 2012-2013 (pdf) document.
Business Bicycle Mileage Claims
University Bike Workshops
In June 2010 the new bike workshop opened in Bowland Avenue East outside the Conference Centre. Staff cyclists can obtain a key for the workshop at Security Reception at any time and access bike tools and maintenance information in the workshop. There is also a staff bike repair buddy scheme involving volunteer staff bike mechanics that can conduct minor bike repairs for staff free of charge. Their contact details are on the noticeboard in the Bike Workshop.
Lancaster Cycle Demonstration Town
Lancaster and Morecambe was one of just 18 places in the Country to be named a 'cycling demonstration town' which applied during the years 2006-2011. The local area benefitted from multi-million pound investment into cycling improvements.
University Cycle Days
The University organises occasional cycle days for its staff and students. One recent success was the Sustainable Travel Day on Tuesday 9th March 2010, which was a massive hit, with over 200 cyclists and walkers claiming a FREE sustainable commuters’ breakfast at the Management School Hub breakfast bar!
Bicycle Users Group
To subscribe to the University's information list for cyclists please send an e-mail to majordomo@lists.lancs.ac.uk with "subscribe cyclists" in the body of the e-mail. You should leave the subject field blank.
The discussion forum allows Lancaster University cyclists to explore issues in more depth.
Minutes from the Lancaster University Bicycle User Group (LU BUG) meeting are available to download as PDFs below.
Other Links
- Green LancasterIncluding bike and bike accessory sales on Campus
- Cycle Hire
- Cycle Training
- The Cycle CommuterCycle newsletter for local employers - PDF document