A new bike hire hub at the University of Hull will provide “exercise, wellbeing and carbon reduction” benefits to students and the city.
The hub, located on the University’s campus, was officially opened on Monday 13 December at a ceremony attended by Hull City Council leader Cllr Daren Hale and John Marshall MBE, CEO of Humber-wide charity R-evolution.
Bikes are available to loan either for a week, a Trimester or a full academic year.
It is hoped the bike hub will encourage more students to explore the city of Hull on two wheels, providing a more sustainable form of travel along with a variety of exercise and wellbeing benefits.
Professor Philip Gilmartin, Chair of Sustainability Board at the University of Hull, said: “I am delighted to see that the new bike hire hub has officially opened on campus.
“The University is on an ambitious journey to become a carbon neutral campus by 2027, and with sustainability at the heart of our strategy, this hub is an important step towards reducing our carbon footprint and encouraging students to make sustainable travel choices.
“It will also enable our students to travel more cheaply and easily across the city, taking in all the wonderful sights and attractions Hull has to offer.
“A huge thank you must finally go to our partner, R-evolution, who have worked closely with our University Sustainability Team throughout this project.”
As well as the bike hire scheme, services at the new hub include:
- Affordable bike sales
- Repairs
- Safety advice and information
- Events
- Cycle maintenance training
- Cycle maintenance courses for students and staff
- Accredited training, life coaching and employability placements
- Guided city tour rides
John Marshall MBE, CEO at R-evolution, said: “Our charity is excited to be involved in this forward-thinking partnership and the wider agenda for University cycling services, including providing access to cycles, upskilling, exercise and wellbeing, linking communities and contributing to carbon reduction.”
Phoebe Bastiani, President at Hull University Students’ Union, said: “It’s been a privilege to work so closely with R-evolution, the Council and the University to promote our on-campus bike hub and I look forward to continue promoting the wonderful work the team are doing.
“Getting more people cycling to University and cycling to work will not only have a significant impact on climate change, but also on those individuals’ mental health and wellbeing.”
Hull City Council has in recent years made significant investment into cycling infrastructure across the city.
A new cycling hub, also featuring R-evolution bikes, opened in Hull’s Trinity Market last year, and cycle lanes across Hull have been installed and upgraded as part of the push to encourage sustainable travel.
Hull City Council has set its own 2030 carbon neutral target, with sustainable transport at the heart of its strategy.
Councillor Dean Kirk, portfolio holder for highways and transport at Hull City Council, said: “We are delighted that R-evolution are now operating the bike hub at the University of Hull, and hope that it encourages students to take up a more active form of travel when moving around the city.
“With the installation of clearer and more visible cycle lanes across Hull, our ambition is to build a network that is safe and accessible for everyone.”
The bike hub is located in the Ferens Building, opposite Wilberforce Building.
