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3.12.1 A feasibility study has been undertaken by Sustrans in conjunction with Colin Buchanan. This looked at various options for offering cycle hire at the university, including: short term cycle hire, cycle loan, cycle purchase scheme and a pool bike scheme.

3.12.2 Cycle loan was determined to be the best option for the university. It was found to be more suitable for users as they could retain the cycle for longer periods such as a term or academic year.

3.12.3 It was determined that cycle hire is better as a municipal facility for short periods of use as part of the public transport offer.

3.12.4 The basis for recommending a cycle loan scheme was:

ƒ Cost: no expensive infrastructure required for docking stations, IT systems, etc.

ƒ Social: providing a cycle loan scheme as opposed to simply a purchase scheme

provides back-up and support for new cyclists and helps to promote and develop a ‘cycling culture’.

3.12.5 The scheme has not been implemented yet so not all barriers have become apparent. It was envisaged that a body such as the student union would have a role in running and managing the scheme but representatives have not as yet been fully on-board with the project.

3.12.6 It does, however, have high-level support within the university, and alternative bodies such as the sports centre are likely to be suitable alternatives for running the scheme as they have existing administrative arrangements in place for issuing bicycles, and initial discussions have proved fruitful.

3.12.7 Funding will come from the local authority and the regional transport authority, as well as miscellaneous grants. There will also be income from usage of the scheme. Pricing will be determined by comparison with similar university schemes in Nottingham and Leeds. 3.12.8 The following risks and mitigation have been identified:

Table 3.10: University of Birmingham, Risks and Mitigation

Risk Mitigation

Lack of political support at a high level Ongoing discussions with client working group and key partners

Lack of buy-in from partners – cooperation/ participation

Alternative arrangements have been discussed as back up

Lack of finance (set-up and running costs in future years)

Type of scheme chosen does not have high capital costs and there will be some income from users

Lack of take-up from students Experience from existing successful projects will be brought to bear on this project, including marketing and promotion

3.13

Universities

3.13.1 Sustrans is supporting several universities to offer cycle loan/hire to staff and students. These schemes are different from the public cycle rental schemes, offering medium-term cycle loan at low cost.

University of Leeds

3.13.2 UTravelActive is a Big Lottery funded partnership project to promote active travel in Leeds among students, university staff and local communities. Active Velocampus Leeds provides supported yearly/part yearly low cost bike hire for University of Leeds, Leeds Met and Leeds Trinity students available from June to September onwards each year. 400 bikes are available.

3.13.3 Good quality bikes from Velocampus Leeds are available to hire for up to 12 months over an academic year. Hirers must usually be students at University of Leeds, Leeds Met or Leeds Trinity. A hire agreement needs to be signed and the hire fee and deposit paid on receipt of the hire bike. Hirers need to look after the bike, ensuring it is maintained in good condition. The hire charge is a flat rate of £35 from the start of the academic year, no matter when the bike is hired or returned, plus a returnable deposit of £100.

(www.leeds.ac.uk/velocampus/)

www.velocampus.leeds.ac

University of Lincoln

3.13.4 cycLIN is the bike loan scheme at the University of Lincoln, run as a joint enterprise by the University and Sustrans. It was launched in September 2010 with 70 bikes available for use by students over the academic year. Each bike hired requires a fee of £45 and a deposit of £100. The deposit is returnable but part may be retained if the bike is

damaged. Students wishing to hire a bike must provide ID and proof of address and agree to help Sustrans monitor cycling activity to gauge the impact of the scheme. 3.13.5 Regular maintenance is carried out free of charge to the user, with a safety check at 4 to

6 weeks and services at 5 months and at the end of the hire term. A condition of the hire is that the bike is returned for these maintenance checks. Insurance is included in the hire fee. Helmets will not be supplied but will be offered at a reduced price to those hiring bikes.

University of Nottingham

3.13.6 Ucycle Nottingham aims to increase levels of cycling amongst staff and students at the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The project has a range of activities including infrastructure

improvements on and between campuses, events and activities to raise awareness of the benefits of cycling, and a bike hire scheme for students

3.13.7 The Ucycle Student Bike Hire Scheme started in September 2010 and is available to most halls and student residential areas located within a five-mile radius of the University. Quality bikes (Pinnacle) are available for hire for up to nine months. 460 bikes are available and all bikes are ready to ride, and come complete with lights, lock, mudguards, rack and a full year long maintenance package. Users also receive a 10% discount voucher to use at Evans Cycles, access to a free maintenance class run by Evans, free

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