Leeds students to launch new bike hub with pedal power

University students in Leeds will celebrate the opening of a new bike hub by turning on Christmas tree lights and making drinks with the power of their pedals. The Velocampus Leeds bike hub will open tomorrow to support cycling and provide maintenance facilities to help students and staff at The University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan to travel more actively.

The new bike hub, which is located on the Main Campus of University of Leeds, is part of UTravelActive, a million pound project with funding from The Big Lottery, the two universities, NHS Leeds and Leeds City Council, in partnership with sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

In 2008 the project launched a successful bike hire scheme which expanded in size this year to meet student demand. UTravelActive will receive further funding over the next twp years.

To mark the opening of the bike hub, students and staff are invited to the new facility on the launch day to take part in free cycle safety skills, drop-in bike maintenance, and a Bling Your Bike competition with prizes for the most festively decorated bike. Students and staff will also be able to turn on Christmas tree lights and make smoothies by pedal power.

UTravelActive project manager Lisa Brannan said: “Cycling is such a healthy, convenient and cost-effective form of travel, and for students it has to be one of the easiest ways to achieve the daily recommended 30 minutes of activity to benefit their health.

“The new bike hub will be an excellent facility to further support the cycling needs of university students and staff. It will provide a focal point for cycle maintenance, training, bike hire, cycle safety & route information and general advice on the best way to get around on two wheels.”

Other UTravelActive activities to encourage sustainable travel include: cycling and walking campaigns and events; driver awareness; infrastructure improvements; social rides; provision of cycling and walking maps and information. .

For more information on UTravelActive, contact Lisa Brannan at l.r.brannan [at] leeds.ac.uk or on 0113 343 6573.