Cycling
Cycling is one way to a low carbon commute. Explore this page to learn more about the facilities, services, parking, and community for cyclists on campus.
Cycling to Campus
Cycling is a great way to get active and travel sustainably, cycling can also help to save money on transportation costs and make commuting more convenient.
Cycle Friendly Employer
In 2025, Newcastle University was awarded Gold Cycle Friendly Employer Accreditation from Cycling UK. Read on to find out more about the services and facilities we offer to our University cyclists.
Dr Bike
Dr Bike is a free bicycle maintenance service offered on campus facilitated by WATBike. To find out when the next Dr Bike session is, check out our events page or the BUG Microsoft Teams group.
Dr Bike offers:
- free bicycle health checks
- basic maintenance work
- 'bike prescriptions' for more complex repairs
Please note that any advanced repairs and additional parts will not be part of the free service. Prescriptions for complex repairs will need to be taken to WATBike’s paid service or your local bike shop.
Dr Bike’s free basic maintenance service is available to all University staff and students when you show your smartcard. Please direct queries to sustainable.campus@ncl.ac.uk.
Bike Repair Station
In addition to our Dr Bike sessions, the university maintains two cycle repair stands. One is located between the Daysh and King Edward VII buildings and the other can be found around the side of the Frederick Douglass Centre, in the bike store.
The stands are equipped with:
- Alan keys (multiple sizes)
- Screwdrivers
- Spanners
- Adjustable fit bike pump
- Tyre iron
Daysh Repair Stand: What3Words location: ///tens.ally.cotton.
FDC Repair Stand: What3Words location: ///woof.herds.estate.
Bicycle Parking
We have an extensive network of Sheffield bike stands throughout our city and Helix campus.
Secure cycle parking is also available on campus, options include:
- Communal secure cycle compounds (access needs granted)
- Individual storage lockers
Use our sustainability interactive campus map to find out where our secure cycle storage is located. Contact ess-helpdesk@ncl.ac.uk for details or read our dedicated page (University login required) to find out more.
Bicycle Users Group (BUG)
BUG is a group for University colleagues and students who commute by cycling. The group aims to improve facilities available on campus, provide up-to-date information for cyclists, and coordinate various cycling events.
To be added to the BUG Microsoft Teams group, please contact sustainable.campus@ncl.ac.uk with the subject line "Join BUG".
Purchasing a Bicycle
Plotting your route
Not sure about the best routes to commute to campus? Take a look at these maps created by Transport North East, try the journey planner by Cycling UK or ask our current cyclists in the Bicycle Users Group. The table below outlines some estimated travel times to campus from various locations.
|
Location |
Walking |
Cycling |
Public transport |
|
Arthur’s Hill (CAV) |
30-40 mins |
5-15 mins |
15-25 mins |
|
Gateshead |
40-50 mins |
15-25 mins |
15-25 mins |
|
Gosforth |
45-55 mins |
10-20 mins |
15-20 mins |
|
Heaton |
25-45 mins |
10-20 mins |
25-40 mins |
|
Jesmond |
15-25 mins |
5-10 mins |
10-20 mins |
Cycling Tips
Cycle carefully, give way to pedestrians when cycling around campus, and only lock your bicycle to dedicated bike infrastructure to avoid blocking access.
- Wear a helmet
- Obey traffic lights and road signals
- Don't ride on the pavement unless a sign says you can
- Use lights and reflectors so you are clearly visible
- Don't use headphones or a mobile while cycling
- Remove lights and accessories from your bicycle when parked
- Always securely lock your bicycle with at least one 'Sold Secure' certified cycle lock and only use purpose-designed Sheffield stands or racks
- Don't leave your bicycle on campus overnight
- If possible, arrange adequate insurance to cover any theft or damage to your bicycle
Useful Links
- Go Smarter Go Active provides information and guidance about sustainable travel.
- Newcastle City Council offer local information for cyclists including advice, cycling parking spaces and new proposed routes, as well as up to date information about travel plans.
- Recyke y’Bike is a volunteer community project selling spares and second-hand bikes.
- The Cycle Hub is a café, bike shop, repair workshop and bike hire shop all in one.
- Sustrans is a charity aimed at helping to make more environmentally friendly transport choices.