At BU, we are dedicated to finding new ways to empower and support our colleagues to ride bikes, but we understand the winter months can be challenging. As Spring approaches, we encourage you to dust off your bike, grab your helmet and lights, get on your bike and ride!
Why cycle?
Physical health – even a 10-minute bike ride will boost your immune system, improve cardiovascular health, and help you live longer
Reduced stress and anxiety - biking can calm the mind, improve self-confidence, and elevate your mood
Air quality – did you know that Bournemouth is the 10th most congested city in the UK? By taking cars off the road, we reduce the amount of particulate matter in the air. This will improve air quality and reduce respiratory-related health issues
Protecting the planet – cycling will lower your carbon footprint
Saving money – cut down on transport costs and car maintenance.
What support is available to help to cycle?
Free Cycle Maintenance Workshop. Do you need some advice on how to check your brakes? How to carry out a safety check? How to clean your bike properly? On Wednesday 26 March, 1-2:30pm in the Talbot Campus courtyard, our Bike Doctor will be running a Cycle Maintenance Workshop to provide staff and students with some basic skills needed to keep your bike running smoothly. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in attending.
Bike Doctor Service. Get your bike serviced free of charge by visiting the Bike Doctor on either campus. Simply take your bike and BU ID card along to one of the sessions listed here - no booking necessary. Labour is free (up to 30 mins) and you'll only need to pay for any replacement parts.
Our New Cycle Hub. The Cycle Hub located behind Dorset House includes tools and bike pumps, E-bike charging stations, cargo bike storage areas, and visitor cycle storage.
Active Travel Facilities. Located in Poole House and Studland House, you have access to showers, a changing area, drying cabinets and lockers so there’s no need to worry about turning up to work sweaty! Did you know the showers in Poole House are partly heated by solar thermal energy?
Free Beryl minutes. Beryl is a local bike sharing scheme available in the BCP area. All BU students are eligible for 100 free minutes (subject to availability). Email [email protected] to claim your minutes. This is the perfect way to experiment with cycling without buying a bike.
Sustainability Screenings: Chasing the Sun. Join us on Wednesday 26 March, 4-7pm for a free screening of ‘Chasing the Sun’ – a film about the power of the bicycle to improve public health, build community, and help save the planet. If you are already a cyclist – bring a friend who isn’t! This event is open to the public. Book your free ticket through Eventbrite. Following the film, you will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A with:
Phillipe Webb – Producer of Chasing the Sun
Professor Tom Wainwright – BU Professor Of Orthopaedics, and Deputy Head Of the Orthopaedics Research Institute (ORI)
Joesph McMullen – BU Lecturer in Law, specialising in air quality management and environmental law.
Amanda Shorey – Travel Planning Officer at BCP Council, Bikeability instructor and Chasing the Sun film contributor
Tell us how you would like to be supported to cycle at BU by emailing [email protected].
