Getting a bike

Buying a new bike

If you are looking to buy a bike, the Better by Bike website provides advice on how to choose your bike, and a list of all bike repair shops and specialists in and around Bristol.

University of Bristol staff and students are entitled to a discount at some of these shops.

Several bikes shops sell reconditioned bikes including Lifecycle UK and The Bristol Bike Project.

Cycle to work scheme

Staff can save money and spread the cost of a new bike and cycling accessories through the University’s Cycle to Work scheme. 

Buying bike accessories 

Find out about buying discounted bicycle accessories like locks and lights, from the University, Students Union and local bike shops. See upcoming events through the University's cycle mailing list, and the cycling events listing. 

Hiring or loaning bikes

Better By Bike, (a scheme for the West of England), runs a free 'Borrow a bike scheme' for anyone living, working, or studying in Bristol or North Somerset. It offers both regular and electric bicycles.

There are also various places in Bristol from where you can hire a bike. You can hire a Brompton Bike from the Brompton Dock at Bristol Temple Meads or Bristol Parkway.

There is no membership fee, meaning that it is free for anyone to sign up on the mobile app. You pay-as-you-go at a rate of £5 for 24 hours.

Buying a second hand bike

You can get low cost, high quality reconditioned second hand bikes from Lifecycle and The Bristol Bike Project.

Donating or recycling your old bike

If you are planning on replacing your current bike, Lifecycle and The Bristol Bike Project, accept bicycles in reasonable condition.

University fleet e-cargo bikes 

Alongside other departmental road vehicles, the University operates a small fleet of e-cargo bikes for use on campus operations and other business journeys. 

All the bikes are currently designated for use by specific departments, but some may become more widely available as pool bikes. This is subject to staff training and implementation of a system for managing bookings and key access. 

For more information on the e-cargo bikes, email uob-fleet@bristol.ac.uk.