Scheme of the Month - Lancaster University Travel Plan
Student cycling doubles in less than two years!
The proportion of students cycling and walking to Lancaster University has almost doubled in less than two years according to Lancaster University Travel Plan surveys.
Over ten per cent of students living off-campus now cycle to the University, up from just over five per cent 21 months ago. In the same period, the numbers of students walking to the University has also doubled from just over 3 per cent to over 6 per cent.
The proportion of staff cycling to work is one of the highest in Lancashire at just over 13 per cent and fewer students and staff are now driving to the campus.
The survey findings reveal that almost a third of all postgraduate research students living off-campus are regularly cycling. Lancaster University Travel & Environment Co-ordinator, Philip Longton, said: “It is really encouraging to see more and more people taking up cycling. To have more postgraduate research students accessing the campus on bicycles rather than in cars as either drivers or passengers is a great achievement.”
Overall, student car use dropped by 4.8% between February 2006 and November 2007.
Lancaster University has done a lot to encourage and enable travel by bicycle since the introduction of its Travel Plan in 2004. A combination of ‘carrot’ and ‘stick’ measures has been crucial to the success of student cycling doubling in less than two years. A restrictive student car parking policy was introduced in 2006, along with new secure bicycle parking facilities in its residences and a well-used signed University cycle route into the city centre. Also, the many benefits arising from Lancaster & Morecambe’s designation as a Cycling Demonstration Town since 2005 have also helped increase both student and staff cycling.
For more information see http://www.lancs.ac.uk/estates/travel/cycling.htm or contact Phil Longton
