UTravelActive success recognised
The success of the UTravelActive project in encouraging cycling at Leeds universities and teaching hospitals has been applauded by Sustrans.
- cycling has increased by as much as 66% at the universities and hospitals involved in the project
- 36% of staff and students have reduced their car travel by at least one mile a day
- the proportion of students who never drive has doubled
UTravelActive has provided a fleet of around Velocampus bikes for hire, cycle training, bike maintenance sessions, and advice on planning the safest cycle routes.
Krystel Shelmerdine, a second-year postgraduate student at Leeds, has been taking cycling lessons as part of the project. She says: 'After just three lessons I'm already thinking ahead to how I can use my new bike. I aim to cycle regularly to my work placement next spring. I currently do the trip by car but it's only three-and-a-half miles so it is easily do-able by bike. It means I'll be fitting exercise naturally into my day, which is important as I'm really busy.'
UTravelActive is a partnership between the University of Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds Trinity University College, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and Sustrans.
Posted in: University news