Cycling

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.

Security: Safety and insurance

The University encourages cyclists to insure their bike, and use a good quality lock, for the bike's 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)

Walton Street Cycles provides 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 and 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.

Cycling groups

Cycling in Oxford

Bike hire schemes

Oxford has a number of great independent bike hire companies, so if you do not have your own pair of wheels, hire bikes are a great option.

Oxford County Council are also 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.

Personal e-scooters remain illegal in public areas and the use of any e-scooters (hired or personal) is not permitted on University campuses or Halls of Residence.

If you have a query or would like to report a hire vehicle causing an obstruction, please contact the hire operator directly.

E-bike trials

E-bikes are recognised to be a viable alternative to travel and they allow more people to enjoy cycling. The benefits have been well documented in health, environment, finance and improved fitness.

Oxford charity CyclAbility have a limited number of e-bikes that they are able to lend out, especially for those with mobility issues and a number of local cycle stores (including, but not limited to those below), offer e-bike test rides.

Just give them a call to arrange a test ride and you will require some valid photographic identification (e.g. driving licence or passport).

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.

Willow Walk - Walkers and cyclists can enjoy a new riverside route into Oxford, following the completion of the Willow Walk scheme, linking between North Hinksey Lane and Ferry Hinksey Road. The Willow Walk project ties in with a new shared cycle path on King George’s Field, providing an off-road path for cyclists and pedestrians linking into the existing cycle network to Oxford from the west of the city.

On campus

Cycle parking

Designated cycle parking facilities and bike racks can be found across the Campuses and Halls of Residences.

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

Some Halls of Residences and campuses will have facilities with restricted access managed by the halls reception. Halls may have single bike storage bins that can be hired for up to a year. Bike bins are limited, issued on a first come, first served basis and require a £20 deposit. 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 and Abercrombie)
  • Marston Road Site (MRG11 and MRG45)
  • Harcourt Hill Campus (FG08 and FG09)
  • Swindon Campus, Room JOF.G.01s

Advice for new and existing cyclists