Since campus is only a short way away from the city centre, cycling is the perfect way to get around and York is definitely one of the most cycle friendly city and campus’ you can be as a student.
Convenience
Having my bike at uni with me means I no longer have to rely on bus times and traffic on the road. I can come and go on my own terms, when I want to travel. Whether I’m going to town or going to do my shopping or even just cycling between campuses’, I can get to places much faster and more conveniently than if I was walking or relying on public transport. It’s great that I don’t have to pay any cost of transport too!
Throughout campus there are plenty of places to lock up your bike. Most buildings have places to lock up outside so you are never too far from your bike! Some of these areas are sheltered too, so your bike can stay dry if the weather is bad. There are also places to lock up your bike all over the city centre, so, wherever it is you are cycling too, you can always leave your bike close to you. Even at the train station there are many secure places to leave your bike.
Safety
York is repeatedly ranked as one of the top 10 safest cities in England and Wales so I feel confident that my bike is safe when I leave it on campus, at the supermarket or in town. There are sheltered, and locked bike sheds for most colleges, accessible only for students using your key, ensuring your bike is locked away safely when you aren’t using it.
In and around campus, there are separate cycle paths which separate the bike route from cars. Even going into town there are separate cycle lanes which I have found drivers always respect! The main streets are always well lit so you can continue cycling even through the darker winter months too. This makes me feel a lot more comfortable when I’m riding my bike and more confident, especially in winter, as I am separated from the faster moving cars.
Fun!
I bought my bike to York on move in day and I have used it every week since. Even my friends have seen the value in having a bike at uni and have now bought theirs with them. By cycling through York I definitely got to familiarise myself with the city much faster than I otherwise would have. I find the uni is situated perfectly to have a campus feel, while only being a 20 minute cycle to town (for me) – it’s really the best of both worlds! It’s ideal that York isn’t too hilly either!
Whether I’m going to the supermarket, meeting a friend, commuting to campus, or going into town I always travel on my bike. Getting to cycle around York, through the wall, by the Minster and past the shambles is such a privilege and an amazing way to see the best parts of the city.
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