Cycling at UCL

Cycling is a truly invigorating and liberating experience, enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. 

Cycling to and from UCL has the obvious benefit of avoiding public transport, but there are lots of additional benefits, such as saving money and time and providing a healthy zero-carbon alternative to driving.

• Read the UCL Travel Plan to understand cycle access and facilities.
• Visit Dr Bike to fix your bike at one of our Bike Bonanzas. 
• View the Map of parking lockers and showers to find your closest facilities.
• Join the community – MS Teams cycling network. 

How to get started? 

Get a bike

• Sustainable UCL Bike Sales: Check our event pages for second-hand bike sales throughout the academic year. 
• Bike to Work Scheme: Staff can purchase a bike at a discount through UCL’s cycle scheme. Staff can spend up to £5,000 on a bicycle/electric bicycle and benefit from a tax-free salary sacrifice in monthly payments resulting in 20-40% reduced costs.
• Buy Second-hand: Second-hand bike cost in the range of £70-£200. Your smaller independent bike shops are best; you’ll get to know your local maintenance team and they may even give a few discounts down the line. For tips on buying a second hand bike see Cycling Weekly or London Cycling Campaign.

Bike hire 

• Santander cycles: Operated by Transport for London, this bike loan scheme allows you to claim and return your bike from docking stations across London.
• Wheels for Wellbeing hire adaptive bikes to people living in South London.
• Jump, Lime and FreeBike offer electric dock-less bike loan schemes, and Beryl is a non-electric version. Like Santander cycles, users pay for distance/time used.  However, in most areas you do not need to dock them at a station - make sure you park them carefully on the pavement to avoid creating obstacles for pedestrians.

E-bikes 

• UCL have an obligation to reduce fire risk and as a result have rules when it comes to e-bikes.
• Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) bikes are permitted to be used, whereas fully electric e-bikes (classed as ‘throttle ‘types) are not permitted.
• PLEVs (batteries) are not permitted to be used, stored or charged on UCL campus, within properties including student (sleeping) accommodation.
• To find out more click here.

Cycle safely 

Certain cycling essentials will support you in cycling safely. A helmet, lights and a good lock are key to ensuring you and your bike are safe on the roads and in the streets. For more information of getting kitted out with cycling essentials click here.

Cycle confidently

Training is available through most London Councils. For example, Camden Council offers Camden Cycle Skills courses for one participant at a time, in accordance with current government guidance to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Anyone who lives, works or studies in Camden can register on the following for free: Adult Cycle Skills, Children's Cycle Skills. Alternatively, here are some additional cycling training resources:

• Bikeability is the UK's national cycle training programme. Normally, you can book free cycle training courses in your borough for free, by visiting the TfL website, or via your local authority, see here.  You can attend if you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced cyclist and learn 1 on 1 how to enhance your cycling skills on London roads. The trainer will meet you near your house and take you on any roads you find tricky.
• Wheels for Wellbeing  organise inclusive cycling sessions for disabled people.