Cycling is one of the easiest, cheapest and most sustainable ways to get fit and healthy. To support this year’s National Cycling Week - which runs from 8 to 16 June - we’re promoting all the fantastic things we're doing to encourage more of you to get on your bikes.
The great thing about cycling is that you can do as much, or as little, as you like. You might want to take a on seriously muddy, hilly bike challenge…or simply jump on your bike to get to the shops. It doesn’t matter how many miles you cover, cycling can improve both your physical and mental health.
Watch BSc (Hons) Midwifery student Ceci showing us all how quick and easy it is it to ride to her placement, to uni and getting around the local area and explaining some of the benefits BU offers to cyclists.
Environmentally, cycling helps address problems like air quality and pollution, and it can fit into daily routines better as it doubles up as transport - which also means you’re not spending money on public transport or petrol!
We’re also very lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country, full of picturesque cycle rides, so take a look at some of the local routes you can explore. You can also find new versions of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local area cycle maps from Travel Information stands at BU’s main reception points. Why not pick one up and find out below what BU has on offer to encourage more people to cycle?
National Bike Week community events
Thursday 13 June: Bournemouth Pier to Shore Road Sunset Ride, 7pm
Saturday 15 June, Blandford Forum Family Bike Event, 12pm
Saturday 22 June, Wimborne Minster Vintage Bicycle Ride, 1.30pm
BU by Bike scheme
If you want to start cycling to university or exploring the local area but you don't have a bike, the BU Bike Scheme, where bikes can be loaned for a term or an entire academic year, could be of interest to you. This fantastic initiative means you can give cycle commuting a try without the expense of buying a bike. The cost of subscribing to the BU by Bike scheme is £25 per academic term, or £40 per academic year.
Campus facilities
There are lots of facilities across both campuses for cyclists, including secure storage compounds and at halls of residence for your bikes. There are also showers and changing facilities - head to the website to find out where all of these facilities are based.
Bike Doctor service
Have your bike serviced with the Bike Doctor - the bike check is free, you'll just need to pay for any replacement parts (if any are needed). This service operates on both campuses throughout the year and is open to all BU students, you just need to show your student ID card.
Join the BU Bike User Group - BU BUG
BU BUG work with BU to promote and improve cycling facilities and events across the university as well as working with local councils and partners to create a safe and secure cycling environment. Membership is free to students and all BU BUG members also receive automatic free membership to the Dorset Cyclists Network and can access discounts and benefits from local retailers. Find out more about the BU BUG.
The BU BUG are holding their annual early evening bike ride to Swanage on Thursday 13 June - contact [email protected] to get involved! It’s free and the cost of fish and chips and a return ferry ticket are provided.
Beryl Bikes are coming to Bournemouth!
The British urban cycling brand Beryl is launching its innovative bike share scheme in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this summer.
The roll-out will begin with 50 bikes, all in the eye-catching Beryl green, with the fleet increasing to 1,000 as the summer progresses. Residents will be able to hire a Beryl bike through the app, which allows users to easily find and unlock any Beryl bike using their smartphone. Cyclists can then ride the bikes anywhere in the operating zone for 5p per minute. Riders have a payment choice of Pay-As-You-Ride (£1 unlock fee), Minute Bundles (no unlock fee) or a 24 hour Day Pass for £12. Head to the Beryl website to find out more!
Bikeability training
BCP Council offer free 'Bikeability' training for anyone in full-time education, so if you're interested in improving your cycling skills, email our Travel Plan Group and they can connect you!
BU Travel Plan 2019 – 2025
The BU Travel Plan 2019-2025 has now been approved by the University Leadership Team. The overall aim of the plan is to enable all campus users to travel as sustainably as possible to minimise our environmental impacts – both on and off campus – in alignment with BU2025. The new Travel Plan has four main objectives:
- maximise sustainable travel opportunities for campus users
- limit BU’s environmental impact
- support the delivery of the Estates development strategy
- enhance sustainable travel opportunities through innovation and collaboration.
A full launch of the new Travel Plan will take place this autumn, but in the meantime you can read the full travel plan document.
To find out more about cycling at BU, please head to the website.