A fleet of 78 bikes is to be made available to University of Limerick students at a cost of just €30 per semester, the university has said.
The university said that based on feedback from students, the two styles of bike will be available — the Bimas Transporter Dutch-style bike and a Raleigh Pioneer hybrid bike.
President Professor Kerstin Mey has launched a new bike rental scheme in a bid to encourage more students to use sustainable and active travel when travelling to and from campus.
Professor Kerstin Mey, president of the University of Limerick, said: “We are incredibly proud of our cycle-friendly riverside campus, and I hope that the CycUL scheme will improve both student access and mobility on campus, and offer a sense of freedom to explore the city and its surrounds.”
The scheme, which is called CycUL, is part of the University’s climate action commitments.
To support cycling on campus, UL said it also runs free maintenance classes for students each semester, and a bike mechanic operates on Tuesdays in the Student Life Courtyard as part of the weekly Farmers’ Market.
“This is another important step in our climate action plan, and our commitment to achieving a carbon neutral campus by 2030. I hope to see many of our students enjoying the benefits of the CycUL scheme over the coming weeks and months,” said Mey.
UL said that its two campuses are connected by a 4.5km riverside cycleway that starts at Lock Quay Bridge in the city and ends at the UL Boat House and extensions to the greenway will mean that students will in future be able to cycle as far as Killaloe off road.
Sarah Kennedy, Healthy UL manager, said: “Sustainability is a key focus for UL, and this project shows our dedication to creating a healthy campus for people and planet alike. The Healthy UL team is striving to make the healthier choice the easier choice and as affordable as possible, and we are excited about the benefits that the CycUL scheme will offer not only for active travel, but also in cutting congestion and the carbon footprint of the UL community.”
UL said: “CycUL bikes will be available to hire from October 17 and will be located at the First7 Weeks Hub in the Student Courtyard. A deposit of €50 is required from anyone wishing to hire the bikes, which will be refunded once the bike is returned at the end of the semester. A set of lights and a lock will be provided with each bike. Any students interested in using the service can contact cycUL@ul.ie to register their interest.”