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.
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 safely
- 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.
Inter-campus route map
Our inter-campus guide will help you navigate your way across campus.
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 most need them most. Keeping active is great for your physical and mental wellbeing and will help reduce your carbon footprint too.
, 907kb)Bike parking and cycle pumps
Bicycle parking is widely available across campus. Most staff and students also have access to a secure 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 | |
|---|---|
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Uncovered cycle storage |
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Covered cycle storage |
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Secure cycle storage |
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Cargo bike bay |
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Accessible bike bay |
Leaving your bike on campus over summer?
- Complete the cycle summer storage application form.
- Once approved, you'll receive an email to organise collecting an ‘aware tag’.
- Attach the aware tag tag to your bike and secure it to a hoop in your designated cycle store.
- If you have any questions regarding your application please email transport-team@york.ac.uk.
Abandoned bicycles
Bikes deemed to be abandoned will have a pink 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 term. If you're using your bike, simply remove the tag. Any bicycle 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.
Protecting you and your bike
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.
- 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 bike locks (£10), helmets (£15), lights (£6-10) and bells (£2.50) at a discounted price from the University mailroom or by emailing transport-team@york.ac.uk.
The Bike Doctor
Drop-in your bike at a monthly drop-in session between 10:30 and 4pm. You’ll be able to get a free basic service and pay for additional parts or repairs at a discounted price.
Book your place at a free Bike Doctor workshop or maintenance session to learn about in-depth bicycle maintenance.
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.
- Need a refresher? We offer cycle training.
Use an e-scooter or bike
E-scooters and e-bikes are available to shuttle between campus East and West for as little as 18p per minute (£1 to unlock).
How it works
Before you are able to use an e-scooter you will need to download the TIER app and, if using a scooter, have your driving licence verified. We also strongly suggest that you complete the ride safe school resources (available on the app) before starting. The app will allow you to borrow a scooter and show you where to park at the end of your journey.
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.