- Commuting
- Cycling and Walking Maps
- University Cycle Routes
- Cycle facilities at Lancaster University
- Cycling Information for Staff
- Bicycle Users Group
- Other Links
Commuting
Commuting by bicycle to Lancaster University is very popular, for both students and staff. About 14% of staff and 7% of off-campus students cycle to the campus as their main mode of travel. These figures are well above average. Why do so many staff, students and local visitors cycle to the University?
- There are 2 signed cycle routes between campus and the city centre. Both of these have off-road sections
- 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. This created many 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 and inexpensive
- avoids traffic congestion on the A6 and other routes
- means hassle free parking at the University
- is usually just as quick as driving or using the bus if traveling from the city
Cycling & Walking Maps
You can download a cycling and walking map for Lancaster University. This features cycle routes, parking and showering facilities on campus. We have also included other maps for a wider cycling experience around Lancaster.
- 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
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.
Cycle facilities at Lancaster University
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
Bike Workshop
There is a Bike Workshop on 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. This involves volunteer staff who can conduct minor bike repairs for staff free of charge. Their contact details are on the noticeboard in the Bike Workshop.
Cycling Information for Staff
Staff can save up to 41% on the purchase of a new bicycle and cycling accessories via monthly salary deducation. For more information see the Flexible Benefits run by Human Resources.
Free Staff Parking Scratchcards for Staff Cycle Commuters
15 free Staff Scratchcards (pro-rata for part-time staff) are available to staff that choose not to purchase a car parking permit or bus pass. A member of staff cannot claim the 15 free scratchcards and purchase a car parking permit or a subsidised bus pass in the same permit year.
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
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.
Other Links
- Green LancasterIncluding bike and bike accessory sales on Campus
- Cycle Hire
- Cycle Training
- The Cycle CommuterCycle newsletter for local employers - PDF document
Local Cycling Clubs/Groups
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
Bike Workshop
There is a Bike Workshop on 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. This involves volunteer staff who can conduct minor bike repairs for staff free of charge. Their contact details are on the noticeboard in the Bike Workshop.
Cycling Information for Staff
Staff can save up to 41% on the purchase of a new bicycle and cycling accessories via monthly salary deducation. For more information see the Flexible Benefits run by Human Resources.
Free Staff Parking Scratchcards for Staff Cycle Commuters
15 free Staff Scratchcards (pro-rata for part-time staff) are available to staff that choose not to purchase a car parking permit or bus pass. A member of staff cannot claim the 15 free scratchcards and purchase a car parking permit or a subsidised bus pass in the same permit year.
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
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.
Other Links
- Green LancasterIncluding bike and bike accessory sales on Campus
- Cycle Hire
- Cycle Training
- The Cycle CommuterCycle newsletter for local employers - PDF document