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Transport, maps and parking

Cycling and walking

It’s easy to get around campus by bike or foot. It's just a 15-minute bike ride or 30-minute walk from Campus West to the city centre.

Staff and student cyclists - claim your free cycle safety gear

Join us at the traffic light junction at Field Lane, Church Lane and Lakeside Way on Wednesday 25 November, between 4pm and 6pm, to pick up free bike lights, high-visibility vests and reflective slap wraps. No booking needed - just bring your bike along.

There are several off-road cycle paths and on-road cycle lanes offering safe access into and around York. It’s a great way to reduce your carbon emissions, and keep fit and healthy too!

Travel tips
- We encourage you to cycle where possible and bring a bike to campus
- We have over 5,000 cycle parking spaces and dedicated cycle routes
- It's a short walk between Campus East and West
- One-way systems are in place on campus to help you get around safely.

Contact us

Related links

Inter-campus route map

Our inter-campus guide will help you navigate your way across campus. 

If you can , walking or cycling could save you time in the long run. You’ll avoid queueing for the bus and will leave spaces available for those who need them the most. Keeping active is great for both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Top tips for walking

Things to know:

  • Walking to, from and around our scenic parkland campus is a great way to stay active.
  • There's lots of different routes you can take to get to and from both campuses.
  • You can walk from the Library to the York Sport Village in about 35 minutes.
  • Our campus is compact meaning everything is in walking distance.
  • Walking is a great way to familiarise yourself with different areas and buildings on campus.
  • Our Campus Safety team frequently patrols campus during all hours, including all walking routes.
  • You’ll encounter landscaped gardens, tranquil lakes and no doubt our vast wildlife. You might even be lucky enough to spot the Peregrine Falcons on Campus West.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj7bwgm7tQs

Ana-Maria shows us how easy (and pretty) it is to walk between campuses.

Bike parking and cycle pumps

Bicycle parking is widely available across campus. Most staff and students can also access a bike shed near your college or department; you’ll need your University card to gain access. There are several cycle pumps available across campus too.

Mobile bike pumps are also accessible across campus. To borrow a mobile bike pump, enter any reception and use your University card. You'll be asked to leave your card at reception and will be given it back once you return the pump.

View the locations of each on our cycling facilities google map. 

Map key
An uncovered cycle storage icon Uncovered cycle storage 
A covered cycle storage icon Covered cycle storage 
A secure cycle store icon Card-only access cycle storage 
A cargo bike bay icon  Cargo bike bay 
Accessible bike bay icon Accessible bike bay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-8-3xvhpH4

Find out what helpful tips Jack has for cycling, and bike safety on campus.

Top tips for cycling 

As a cycle friendly city, cycling to and from campus is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Things to know:

  • There are plenty of traffic-free cycle routes in York
  • Joint cycle paths and footpaths are common
  • Lots of bike parking spaces means you don't need to lock your bike to railings or random lamp posts on campus
  • It takes less than ten minutes to bike from Campus West to East
  • You have access to a card-only access bike shed for your college as a student
  • Cycle equipment is available to purchase in the Piazza Mailroom or Dalham Farm Mailroom or York SU Reception.

Don't forget to: 

  • Light up your bike in dark conditions to light up, be seen and avoid a £50 fine
  • Purchase lights, locks and other necessary cycle equipment from the Piazza Mailroom or Dalham Farm Mailroom or York SU Reception.
  • Use two different types of locks; a D-Lock and a cable lock to secure your bike properly
  • Insure your bike for peace of mind.

Leaving your bike on campus over summer?

  1. Go to your nearest reception and ask for a summer storage tag, fill in the date and year of when you will return to collect your bike.
  2. It is your responsibility to secure your bike securely in a bike shed or secure hoop and to make sure it has a summer storage tag attached to it.
  3. If you have any questions, please email your nearest reception.
Abandoned bicycles

Abandoned bicycles

Bikes deemed to be abandoned will have a red band put on the frame, asking the owner to remove the bicycle; if it isn't moved within 28 days the bike will be taken away. The University cannot be held liable for damage to locks.

All bikes are tagged before the end of summer vacation. If you're using your bike, simply remove the tag. Any bicycles booked into storage for the summer will not be removed. 

Contact transport-team@york.ac.uk for more information or to report an abandoned bike.

How do you deem a bike to be abandoned?

Abandoned bikes are bikes that are in a poor state of repair. They may look old, have broken parts or have been in the same location for a prolonged period of time. 

What we do with abandoned bicycles

All bikes deemed abandoned are sent to eBike Medic to be refurbished and re-sold at a reduced price at the Bike Doctor events on campus. Bikes are kept by eBike Medic for 14 days before any work is done to recycle them.

Donating your bike

Finishing University and not taking your bike with you? If you’re unable to take your bike home, or would simply prefer not to - we’re happy to accept bike donations. Get in touch with transport-team@york.ac.uk for more information or to arrange a collection.

Protecting you and your bike

A Row of Bikes

At night, or in poor light, it's a legal requirement that you have working front (white) and rear (red) lights. Cyclists can be fined £50 for not using lights or for cycling on the pavement.

Always take steps to protect your bike. If your bike is stolen, contact the police on 101 or via their loss reporting website.

  • Take out insurance for your bike.
  • Use two different types of secure-rated locks.
  • Lock both the wheels and the frame.
  • Lock the frame to a solid object such as a bike stand.
  • Remove all your bike accessories every time you leave it.
  • Make a note of your serial number.
  • We will not accept liability for any loss or damage to bicycles on campus.

Discounted price cycling equipment

You can purchase D bike locks (£12), chain locks (£10), helmets (£16), lights (£6-£12.50) and bells (£2.50) at a discounted price from the University mailroom or by emailing transport-team@york.ac.uk

The Bike Doctor

Choose a slot between 10am and 12pm to drop off your bike for a free basic service check, and pay for additional parts or repairs at a discounted price, if needed.

Upcoming bike doctor events

A Row of Bikes By Berrick Saul Building
Cycle training

Save money by cycling

  • Just need a bike for a bit? Hire bikes as and when you need them via our cycle pool scheme. 
  • Looking to buy? Save up to 42% on purchasing a bike with the Cycletowork staff salary exchange scheme. Second hand refurbished bikes are also available to buy via our Bike Doctor Sessions.
A sustainable transport banner image

Sustainable transport

Cycling, walking and reducing car use where possible can have both positive health and environmental benefits. The University has a variety of initiatives on offer to help you keep active and reduce your carbon footprint.

Sustainable transport initiatives

Related links

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