Pedalling Towards Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh

Over the past year, the Transport Office has significantly promoted sustainable transport options on our campuses, benefiting students, staff, and the wider community.

Introducing “UniCycles”: An Affordable eBike Hire Scheme

Building on the legacy of the former Just Eat Cycles city bike hire scheme, the University has successfully repurposed eBikes to launch “UniCycles,” an affordable eBike hire scheme for students residing at Pollock Halls and Pentland House.

Now nearing the end of its second year, the project has provided 125 students since September 2023 with the opportunity to hire bikes. This has facilitated over 5,000 journeys and saved 1,631kg CO2e by reducing reliance on bus transportation

This initiative not only supports sustainable transport but also enhances student mobility and wellbeing.

Unicycles

Free Bike Servicing with Doctor Bike Events

This semester, over 160 bikes were serviced for free at Doctor Bike events, ensuring students and staff have safe and well-maintained bicycles.

Looking ahead, the summer schedule promises to bring these valuable events to every campus, further supporting our cycling community. The full schedule can be viewed via the link below.

Doctor Bike

Supporting Local Communities with Bike Donations

In a commendable effort to support local communities, 43 abandoned bikes were donated to The Bike Station, a local social enterprise within the past year. These bikes are refurbished and sold at affordable prices, with the proceeds funding initiatives to make cycling accessible to disadvantaged groups, including a free library of children’s bikes.

This partnership exemplifies our commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

Abandoned Bikes

Encouraging Staff to Cycle with the eBike Scheme

Our “try-before-you-buy” electric bike scheme for staff has been a resounding success.

In Semester Two alone, 14 staff members participated, exploring the benefits of commuting by eBike with minimal cost and commitment. The scheme offers hybrid, folding, and cargo bikes for just £25 per month, and an impressive 85% of participants have expressed a desire to commute by bike more frequently, with many already considering purchasing their own eBikes.

Staff "Try-Before-You-Buy" eBike scheme

Expanding Sustainable Initiatives with SEStran Funding

The University has received funding from South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran)

to promote walking and cycling among staff.

This funding will enable the University to offer 1-to-1 cycle training, bike maintenance classes, wellbeing walks, led rides, and electric bike trials. Additionally, we will expand our Doctor Bike programme to include more frequent visits to various venues. This project is set to launch at Pollock Halls this summer before expanding to other sites, further embedding sustainable practices in our University community.

As we celebrate these achievements, the University of Edinburgh remains committed to advancing sustainable transport solutions. These initiatives not only reduce our carbon footprint but also foster a culture of health, wellbeing, and environmental stewardship among our students and staff.