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Cycling and e-scooters

Oxford is a recognised 'cycling city' and the Oxford City Council cycling pages have information on local cycling routes and amenities, as well as guidance on bike safety, security and recycling. Oxford Brookes University students and staff can take advantage of a range of transport discounts and offers.

Student travel offers

Staff travel offers

Security: Safety and insurance

The university encourages cyclists to insure their bikes and use a high-quality lock for both their bikes and their own protection.

Security Services offer students and staff:

These can be purchased via the University online shop or direct from Security Services team.

On-campus maintenance sessions (Bike Doctor)

The University works with a local supplier Walton Street Cycles to provide staff and students with Bike Dr sessions for an on-campus while-you-wait maintenance and repair service. You will need to present your valid University ID to take advantage of this service. Labour is free - you only need to pay for parts.

For session details, staff and students can subscribe to the Bike Dr Calendar.

Booking is not necessary but can be arranged by emailing brookes@spoke.co.uk. Please include the session date and time and your bike details (e.g. make/model, nature of work).

Second-hand bikes

Walton Street Cycles stock a range of used and recycled bicycles for all budgets and needs to help facilitate cycling in and around Oxford.

All used bikes have been fully serviced and are sold with a 3-month no-nonsense warranty. Please contact them for more details.

The University will aim to hold two second-hand bike sales on campus each academic year, where students can purchase a second-hand, reliable bike at an affordable price. he events take place during new student arrivals in mid-September and January. Event dates will be communicated in advance through campus posters and social media.

Cycling groups

Cycling in Oxford

Public shared e-bikes and e-scooters

Oxford County Council are piloting e-scooter hire in the city. Working with a company called Voi, they aim to offer an alternative option for commuter travel utilising geofencing technology with designated hire / parking points situated within Oxford, including near Halls of Residences and the Oxford based campuses.

You can hire a Voi e-scooter to get around Oxford quickly and easily as part of a government trial.

Before you start using e-scooters to get around, make sure you’re familiar with Oxfordshire County Council’s rules and regulations as well as Thames Valley Police advice. 

You can also watch Voi’s video on how to safely use the e-scooters.

To use the e-scooters, you must:

  • be 18 years old or over

  • hold a provisional or full driving licence

  • follow the Highway Code

  • wear a helmet

  • only ride on cycle lanes shared cycle/footpaths and roads (never on pavements)

  • keep to one person per e-scooter

  • abide by speed limits

  • keep vigilant of your surroundings and be mindful of pedestrians and other road users at all times

  • park e-scooters in the designated parking bays after use.

Dockless public shared e-bikes are available for short-term hire in Oxford.

Use of private E-scooters / re-charging e-bikes on campus

Please note that privately owned e-scooters are illegal to ride on a public road, cycle lane or pavement. You can only legally ride an e-scooter that has been hired through the government trial.

The use of any e-scooters (hired or personal) is not permitted on University campuses or Halls of Residence.

E-bikes are permitted in designated university cycle parking facilities on campus at halls sites.

E-bike and E-scooter batteries are a fire risk and are not permitted to be charged on university sites or in residences. 

Accessible Cycling

Oxford charity CyclAbility has a limited number of e-bikes that they are able to lend out, especially for those with mobility issues.

Cycle Routes (Oxford)

Oxford Cycle and Walking Routes - Oxford County Council have published this map outlining the cycling and walking routes predominantly inside of the ring road, with some on the periphery. It distinguishes between high and low traffic routes.

On campus

Cycle parking

Designated cycle parking facilities and bike racks are available across the Campuses and Halls of Residences.

Some of the facilities will have restricted access. The bike sheds in front of John Henry Brookes Building and the NHHB building on the Headington Campus are accessed via your Oxford Brookes University ID card and offered on a first come, first served basis. If either are at full capacity, please use one of the other nearby cycle parking facilities or bike racks.

Some Halls of Residences and campuses will provide bike racks, along with facilities with restricted access managed by the halls reception. Halls may also offer single bike storage boxes for hire, available for up to a year. Bike bins are limited and issued on a first come, first served basis. In the first instance, availability inquiries should be raised with the applicable Halls/ Campus reception.

Shower rooms

For active travel commuters, university shower facilities available are located:

  • Headington Campus (Sports Centre, John Payne - Lv2, Clerici, NHHB G.08 W/V)
  • Marston Road Site (MRG11 and MRG45)
  • Swindon Campus (Room JOF.G.01s)

Advice for cyclists