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HIRE a bike with UniCycle
Click here for more details -
FREE cycle training available
click here for details
OR contact k.robertson@reading.ac.uk -
Dr Bike checks & repairs Palmer Quad Weds 12-2pm
Cycling is a great way to get fit and save money at the same time. The Whiteknights campus offers an ideal green environment for cyclists to explore the natural beauty the campus has to offer. We welcome responsible cyclists who follow our guidelines for sharing the space safely with other cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.
On this page...
This page outlines all the facilities and offers available to cyclists and those considering cycling to and around the University. Scroll down to find out:
- how to get yourself a bike
- how to keep yourself safe
- how to keep your bike secure
- how to keep your bike in top condition
- where to find our showers
Important Links
Dr. Bike sessions: Semester 1 (2024)
We have regular Dr Bike sessions on campus where a mechanic will check and fix your bicycle for free, charging only for any parts that might be needed. To keep your bike in top condition come along to one of our regular Dr. Bike sessions.
The sessions will take place every Wednesday in the Palmer Quad from 18th Sept to 18th Dec. We are usually located in the area directly outside the Palmer Building or centre of the quad.
| Date* | Time |
| 4th Dec | 12:00 - 14:00 |
| 11th Dec | 12:00 - 14:00 |
| 18th Dec | 12:00 - 14:00 |
Dr. Bike sessions: Semester 2 (2025)
| Date* | Time |
| 22/01/25 | 12:00 - 14:00 |
| 29/01/25 | 12:00 - 14:00 |
| 05/02/25 | 12:00 - 14:00 |
| 12/02/25 | 12:00 - 14:00 |
| 19/02/25 | 12:00 - 14:00 |
| 26/02/25 | 12:00 - 14:00 |
| 05/03/25 | 12:00 - 14:00 |
*Dates subject to occasional change so please check the latest update before attending.
HIRE a bike with Unicycle
If you want to use a bicycle while you are in Reading but do not want to buy one, you can take advantage of the Unicycle scheme run by RUSU and loan recycled bicycles by the term or year.
| Bikes can be hired for £40 per term or £80 for the full year + a £100 refundable deposit (includes a secure D-lock, lights and insurance). |
Enquire quickly, as they only have a limited number of bicycles available! To find out more information, contact k.robertson@reading.ac.uk.
More information
The University also hosts sales of 2nd hand bicycles. These are bicycles which have been mended by offenders in local prisons as part of a scheme providing them skills training. Look out for the 'On Your Bike' events, usually at the start of Autumn and Winter terms (October and January), for more information.
BUY a second hand bike
A great method of re-use and saving money at the same time. Online community pages and second hand stores such as Reading Bicycle Kitchen can be useful places to find a used bicycle.
While a great way to reuse old equipment, ALWAYS BE CAREFUL when purchasing from somebody you don't know. Follow these tips to stay safe and ensure you aren't getting ripped off:
- Ask for the frame number and check it online with a database such as www.bikeregister.com/bike-checker to confirm it hasn't been reported stolen.
- Check the average price for the model and brand online before purchasing to gauge an idea of market value, or else consult a local bicycle store to ask their opinion.
LOAN a bike with Easit
If you only need a bike for a short period of time, or want to have a trial with one in Reading before committing to buy, then you can loan a bike for a month with Easit first. This offer includes fixed frame, electric and folding bikes - perfect to see if cycling to work is right for you!
You can sign-up/log in to Easit to take advantage of this offer.
CYCLE2WORK scheme (for staff)
University staff can use salary sacrifice to make considerable savings on new bicycles. Our scheme is run by Halfords but your bicycles can be purchased from any participating retailer. You can choose a bike and accessories up to the value of £2,500 and you can make savings of up to 42%! (For an accurate quote, use the Savings Calculator on www.cycle2work.info/bikes/savings-calculator).
For more information, see the HR benefits+ website at Cycle2Work.
Keeping yourself (and others) safe
Improve your cycling skills and cycle responsibly with these tips! You can find our Security Service's 'Safe Cycling' page here.
IMPROVE your cycling skills!
We want to ensure that all cyclists at the University have the right skills to keep both themselves and other road users safe on the roads and paths. We offer fun, free cycle courses for complete beginner to more advanced commuting tips" on Wednesday afternoons, 12.00 - 18.00.
To book your space or find out more information, contact k.robertson@reading.ac.uk.
More information
Ideal for:
- Cyclists from overseas to brush up on local rules and laws.
- Those looking for improved confidence to cycle on the roads
- Training addicts
- Experienced cyclists looking to train as ride leaders
Email sustainability@reading.ac.uk if you’re interested and we will forward your name and contact email address to our training providers * to arrange a session.
*By signing up to the scheme you consent to your details being shared with our training providers, Avanti Cycling. Your details will only be used for the provision of cycle training and safety communications.
KNOW your route and SHARE the road
The paths on campus can be extremely busy at times so please be careful and considerate of other users and do not speed. We have made significant investments in making more space for cyclists and pedestrians to share pathways safely
Reading Travel Info provide useful information on cycling routes around the town, to help you plan your journey to and from campus.
USE a helmet and lights at night!
Having the correct equipment is vital to safe cycling. Wearing a helmet is not a legal requirement in the UK, but is highly recommended by us in all instances of cycling, not just to and around our campuses.
It is also important to use front and rear lights when cycling at night. This is a legal requirement in the UK and you could be fined for not having them. These are available to buy from Security Services online or else in Whiteknights House.
Protecting your bike from theft
Unfortunately cycle thieves operate everywhere, including at the University. Help us to protect you and others by looking after your bike! For tips from our Security Services, you can access their website here.
LOCK your bicycle securely
Make sure you lock your bicycle securely to a solid object, using a solid D-lock, or even better using two locks. Make sure you are locking you bike securely by following these tips.
Decent locks are available to purchase from the Security Window in Whiteknights House - you can pay online here and then collect.
SECURE your cycle in our compounds
Any staff or student wishing to use the gated bicycle compounds available on Whiteknights can do so by visiting the Security Window in Whiteknights House. You just need to bring along your Campus ID card.
More information
(Conditions of use include using a secure D-lock to lock your bicycle, and having a Security sticker on the bike). To access the compounds you will also need to know the PIN number for your personal campus card (unique for everyone). You can obtain this number by visiting the campus card pages and signing in, using your University of Reading username and password.
Gated secure cycle parking compounds are located at Whiteknights beside the following buildings:
- Library
- Chemistry (Car Park 10)
- Harborne
- At the rear of RUSU (Car Park 4)
- Earley Gate, near Agriculture building
These locations can be seen on the map of Whiteknights cycle racks and secure cycle compounds.
Additional gated compound are available for Halls residents, access to these is arranged though the individual Halls receptions.
PROTECT your bike with a security label
A security label is a unique and unremovable ID tag that you can attach to your bike. It acts as a strong deterrent to thieves, as it helps tracking stolen goods and allows police to prove a bike does not belong to the thief. Free labels and advice available from the Security Window in Whiteknights House. For more information, read the Security Services page here.
Dr Bike
We regularly run Dr Bike sessions on the Palmer Quad, Whiteknights campus. A professional mechanic will check and fix your bicycle for free, charging only for any parts that might be needed.
Check the top of this page for latest dates (dates subject to occasional change so please check the latest update here and on social media before attending).
Reading Bicycle Kitchen
Reading Bicycle Kitchen is a volunteer run, not-for-profit organisation founded to encourage cycling by making low cost bicycle maintenance available to all in Reading. They run regular sessions on our campuses and around Reading that will give you the skills to fix your own bike, so you can repair pesky punctures or bothersome bars wherever you are!
Tools for cycle maintenance
Basic cycle maintenance tools are available to borrow from the Chaplaincy on Whiteknights Campus. If you need to pump up a tyre or make a few minor adjustments, just pop along to the Chaplaincy which is located on the path between the Palmer Quad and the JJT building.
SHOWERS at Reading
To ensure you can be comfortable and hygienic following your cycle to campus, we have a number of available showers to use. Follow our links to see the locations across our Whiteknights and London Road campuses.
If you have any issues with access, or general feedback, please let us know at sustainability@reading.ac.uk
Abandoned bicycle policy
If you spot a bike that you think has been abandoned on campus please alert our Security Service on ext7799. They can begin the process of labelling to free the parking space and recycling the abandoned bike for our bike recycling scheme.
We are constantly working to improve facilities for cyclists on campus. If there is a particular improvement that you'd like to see please let us know at sustainability@reading.ac.uk.