Cycling to the University

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.

*Dates subject to occasional change so please check the latest update before attending.

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.

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

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.

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

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.