Cycling

We want to encourage staff to choose cycling as their main mode of travel and as a fun, enjoyable form of daily exercise. Whether you’re working/studying from home or on campus, access to bikes and equipment can help preserve your health and wellbeing. It’s a valuable opportunity to get some fresh air, reduce stress, and stay healthy.

It is our ambition to be the most cycle-friendly campus in the UK and to achieve this aim, staff have the opportunity to benefit from a wide range of cycling initiatives, incentives and facilities to make your cycling experience as easy and pleasant as possible. Check out our Active Travel campus map.

Cycle to work scheme

Cycle to work is a government initiative that was introduced in 2001 to encourage more people to commute to and from work by bike, enabling people to make healthier choices and reducing the UK’s carbon footprint. The University’s Cycle to Work Scheme provides staff with the opportunity to purchase electric bikes, mobility bikes, higher-quality bikes and safety equipment for up to £2500, with tax and National Insurance savings. These savings are achieved via salary sacrifice which lets staff spread the cost over 12 months to make payments more convenient.

Cycle2Work is supported by a wide range of specialist bike dealers, catering to everyone regardless of their needs, budget, location or journey to work. Dealerships include Halfords, Cycle Republic, Tredz and independent bike shops. Staff can also benefit from regular discount offers at Halfords, Tredz or Cycle Republic your bikes and accessories.

Simply choose your bike, complete the online hire agreement and take your Letter of Collection to your chosen store or use the voucher online and exchange it for the bike and safety equipment of your choice. 

Merseytravel cycle discount scheme

For those staff who wish to purchase a bicycle without going through the cycle to work scheme, the University can get a discount at several independent cycle stores through its membership of Merseytravel’s Employers Networks.

University employees can take advantage of the cycle discount provided by numerous cycle providers, on the production of your staff ID and quoting the Merseytravel Employers’ Network scheme. Find out the participating providers here.

Citybike

Citybike is a 24-hour on-street bike-sharing scheme, providing pedal and electric bicycles for hire to residents and visitors from a number of automated stations across Liverpool city centre and the surrounding area. The University offers employees the opportunity to benefit from a 20% discount when signing up for an annual citybike membership to save money on city business travel and reduce their carbon footprint. The discount can be obtained by signing up to an annual membership with your University email address and inputting a discount voucher code.

Find out more details and claim your exclusive citybike discount.

LivCycle

Hire a LivCycle bike from the Green Guild for a full academic year for just £60. Rates for other durations are also available. A £50 deposit will be needed to get your bike, but we will give this back to you when you return it. All bikes are serviced regularly by trained mechanics and come with a very sturdy D-lock for extra security, book a bike now!

You can also hire a CityBike for a whole calendar year for £30, thanks to our Green Guild discount! Simply quote discount code CB/LIV/C/033 when registering.

Guided bike rides

Take a tour between campus and Greenbank Halls on two wheels and see our city from a whole new perspective. Get tips from biking experts Peloton on the greenest way to get around and the much-needed cycling shortcuts to never be late for those early morning seminars.

Departure times are 9am and 10am.

Return rides are available at 3pm and 4pm.

Bring along your bike and helmet and meet up outside Greenbank reception.

Book now

Cycle routes

Both Liverpool City Council, and Liverpool City Region are supportive of the University’s ambition to become a cycle-friendly campus and are keen to work together to ensure that our staff and students have safe access to their home and key routes into, and around, the main campus. Both authorities are actively engaged in improving access for cyclists, with Liverpool City Council due to install over 1.2km of segregated cycle lanes as part of the Liverpool Connectivity Scheme. Discover the network of cycle tracks and quiet streets that provide enjoyable cycle routes whether for commuting or for leisure.

Cycle storage

Cycle storage is currently provided across campus in the form of Sheffield stands, on all major thoroughfares and adjacent to most buildings, and several secure cycle pods spread across campus. They are currently located:  (or see the Active Travel campus map)

  • Sydney Jones Library / Management School
  • Rendall Building
  • Harold Cohen Library / Electrical Engineering
  • BioSciences / Ronald Ross Building
  • Life Sciences Building

For access to the secure cycle pods, University staff cards need to be registered by Campus Support Administration Team, on the Ground floor of Bedford House. Once this is done the card will then allow you to swipe access into the pod. In order to access the cycle compounds, email vpa@liverpool.ac.uk for an application form.

Cycle security

Due to its city centre location bicycle theft is a risk, so when bringing a bicycle onto campus it is recommended to always lock it even if it is only being left for a few minutes. Campus Support recommends that when locking your bicycle, a D-shaped lock (preferably with a shackle lock) is used. If you do not already have one, they can be purchased for the cost price at the Student Guild shop.

There is the option to register bicycles on the National Cycle Database, Bike Register. Campus Support is happy to register your bike and are available at our regular cycle events held on campus throughout the year. To schedule an appointment, call the Campus Support Administration team on 0151 794 3215 or email the Campus Support Managers Campus.support.managers@liverpool.ac.uk

Cycle maintenance (Bikiosk)

Has your flat tyre left you feeling deflated? Are squeaky brakes getting on your nerves? The University and Green Guild with Peloton Liverpool are here to help. Bikiosk is available for all your repair and service needs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am-4pm during term time. Whether you need a new part, a small repair, or a full M.O.T, Peloton Liverpool, a local social enterprise aiming to deliver a better cycling experience in Liverpool, will be on hand to get your bike back on the road with unbeatable prices. Peloton is available for free cycle maintenance at our regular cycle events held on campus throughout the year. To ensure safe distancing you will need to book an appointment in advance by calling the Peloton team on 07380 111226.

Cycle training

For those who do not feel confident cycling on the region's roads, Bike Right has set up a number of free one-to-one and group cycle skills lessons for adults who live, work or study in the Liverpool City Region. Courses are designed to improve confidence levels and include basic cycle skills, urban cycle skills and advanced cycle skills. The courses last for two hours.

Book your place.

Shower and changing facilities

The University has a number of gender-neutral or unisex toilets, showers and changing rooms on campus. See a list of shower and changing facilities on-campus. There are shower facilities located in the Sports and Fitness Centre and you will need to sign in at reception before use, you don’t need a membership. For more options see the .

Cycle promotions and events

The Sustainability team in collaboration with the Green Guild and Campus Support holds regular events on campus for cyclists. Staff and students who cycle to campus can benefit from free bike maintenance, bike registration and a free biker’s breakfast. Check out the events page or follow us on twitter for information on our upcoming events.

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