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Cycle to UCL

Cycling is for everyone, and with more people looking for alternatives to public transport, there’s never been a better time to be a new cyclist!

Why cycle?


Cycling is a truly invigorating and liberating experience, enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Whilst cycling to and from UCL has the obvious benefit of avoiding public transport, there are lots of additional benefits! 

It's cheap

Cycling could save you hundreds of pounds a year on train and bus fees! Although there is an upfront cost, it works out much cheaper longer term. 

It's fun and social

In our current situation, getting out and about, exercising and enjoying nature has been one of the few saving graces. Cycling to work can provide all three, and what's more cycling across London is exciting! There are few main cycle paths that dissect London, so you could cycle home with a colleague for company. 

It's fast

A six-mile cycle can sound daunting, but on a bike it’s not that far – and it can be faster than a train. For instance, a 40-minute train journey from Deptford in South East London to Kings Cross, with one change at London Bridge, takes the same time to cycle at a glacial pace (around 40 mins), along one cycle path. You’ll be surprised at how quick, easy and safe cycling can be!  

It's healthy

A large amount of Central London is being made car-free as a result of Covid, and many new cycle lanes are being created– so it’s probably the safest time to cycle! Cycle paths now often have separate traffic lights for bikes, so you get a head start before cars can move, and there are bike boxes at lights, so you can sit safely in front of cars.  

If you cycle half an hour five times a week at a slow pace, you can reach the recommended minimum for aerobic activity; combining your daily commute with your exercise! 

Visit Sustrans to check local changes to cycle lanes and parking in your area. 

It's good for the environment

If you cycle rather than drive, you’re sparing others the associated noise, danger, climate emissions and pollution of car use. This last is particularly relevant given studies linking high levels of pollution to worse outcomes from coronavirus. As UCL has committed to being a carbon zero institution by 2030, we are not encouraging driving to campus. 

View The Guardian: Is air pollution making the coronavirus pandemic even more deadly?

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Cycling Initiatives

Financial Support


Bike icon
Get a tax-free bike through the UCL Cyclescheme.

> UCL Cycle Scheme

UCL staff can claim expenses for journeys made by bike through UCL iExpenses Claims. > UCL iExpenses Claim

Cycling Networks at UCL


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Join Our Cycling Network

MS TEAMS

Cycle in with a colleague for support > Bike Buddy Scheme