Facilities for Cyclists
To make cycling to QMU that bit easier, we have the following facilities:
Cycle parking
There are a number of bike stands installed in university square outside the main academic building, including parking for adapted cycles. There are 2 secured cycle sheds near the halls of residence on campus for long-term cycle storage.
Secure bike lockers
For regular cyclists, there are a limited number of secure bike lockers behind the bus stop on campus. To make use of a locker for your cycle please bring your own padlock, they are first come first serve.
Lockers
Lockers are available to those actively travelling to campus. They are free to use however the key must be returned when you no longer use the locker.
Note: we are currently updating the management of the lockers on campus and the issuing of keys will re-open in Jan 2024.
Showers
There are showers and changing facilities on level 01 of the main academic building.
University bike hire schemes
Mechanical bikes are available for hire from the University at £40 per semester. Bike hires include a helmet, a lock, and lights. This is open to students.
E-bikes can be hired out at £15 per month and are for staff only. The e-bike also comes with a helmet, a lock, and lights.
Contact Cycle Connections if you are interested in either hire scheme.
Emergency maintenance kits
The Security Desk has tools, lubricant, a pump, and puncture repair kits for any emergencies that may arise. A hose, located at the grounds workshop can be used freely by those who cycle. Additionally, staff and students can request access to bike cleaning materials.
Dr. Bike sessions
The University arranges a mobile mechanic to service bikes cycled in on the day. The mechanic will spend up to 15 minutes per cycle to repair minor problems on the spot. More major problems can be diagnosed and a bike "MOT" provided. These sessions are held on the last Thursday of each month beside the bike racks in University Square. Keep up to date on Dr Bike events via our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Regular active travel events
Follow Cycle Connections on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest cycling and active travel events.
Abandoned bicycles
Cycles on campus that are deemed to be abandoned will be tagged by the active travel team. If the cycle remains for a further month it will be removed and held in storage. If again unclaimed, it will be donated to a local charity. To avoid cycles being removed, students and staff are advised not to leave cycles locked and unmoved on campus for a continuous period of four weeks or more.
If you would like to give your feedback on how Cycle Connections can improve their services, please fill in this form.
About Cycle Connections
Queen Margaret University prides itself on its sustainability credentials and its forward looking
Queen Margaret University prides itself on its sustainability credentials and its forward looking approach to tackling the current climate emergency.
Transport emissions account for 37% of Scotlands total Green House Gas emissions. 68% of work commutes were made by car with just 2.8% made by bicycle.
Cycle Connections was formed at QMU in 2016 with the aim of changing this by increasing the number of staff and students walking and wheeling to campus. Alongside reducing emissions, promoting active travel was seen as a central method to improve the campus communities mental and physical wellbeing.
Now in its 8th year, Cycle Connections has achieved a lot:
- 3 Active Travel paid internships for recent graduates
- 50+ students have accessed our semester long bike hire
- 2 tool stations and a new tool kit for cyclists have been installed
- Numerous free bike breakfasts have been held
- British Transport Police have registered more than 30 bikes with the Bike Registry
- 102 Just Eat Cycle trips were made from campus in 2020
- We secured funding for 8 electric bicycles and 20 hybrid bicycles
and much more…
Our annual travel surveys have had 1206 responses since 2017 and provided vital data to help us target our funding and events.
We also became one of the first campus’ to report emissions relating to staff and student commuting in the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties report.
Through funding from Cycle Scotland, secured by one of our Active Travel Interns, we were able to purchase 20 Whyte Hybrid Bikes.
The bikes are available for any QMU student to hire for a semester at a time for just £40. The hire includes helmet, lights and a D-lock.
The bikes are serviced annually and Edinburgh Bike Doctors are on campus the last Thursday of every month if students have any small issues they would like checked over.
British Transport Police have security marked all our hire bikes and more than 30 student bikes to protect against theft. Sticker Mule have provided us with a selection of weather proof stickers to label the bicycles and help promote Cycle Connections.
If you would like to find out any more about what we do at Cycle Connections then follow the link to our Facebook page: Cycle Connections.
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