Cycling to, from and between campuses is one of the most environmentally sustainable methods of transport. It's also cheaper than public transport, and good for your health.
The University of Westminster provides facilities for cyclists at most campuses. But stay safe on the roads – read our security and safety tips below.
Facilities by campus
| Facility | Space available |
|---|---|
University bicycle racks | 37 |
Full-size bike lockers | 18 |
Lockers | 40 |
| Showers | 4 |
| Santander TfL cycle hire scheme | There is provision for 30 bicycles at a docking station on New Cavendish Street |
The bicycle racks and showers are located in the basement of the building. The cycle store and changing facilities are located in the basement, accessible via Hanson Street.
To get into the basement, you will need to get permissions added to your ID Card for car park/cycle store access by emailing [email protected]. Include your name, ID card number and the location "115 New Cavendish Street Car Park/Cycle Store" in the email.
If you do not have access permission on your ID card, you can use the intercom to speak to security, show your ID card via the camera and they will grant you access. However, you will be unable to enter the main building through the basement. You will need to exit the basement via the Hanson Street entrance and enter the campus through the main entrance until you have access permission added to your ID card.
If you have forgotten your ID card or are a visitor you will need to speak to main reception before accessing the basement.
If you require a locker please contact [email protected].
Great Portland Street
There are three council-provided bicycle racks on the street outside the University building.
| Facility | Space available |
|---|---|
| University bicycle racks | 130 |
| Showers | 10 – showers are located in the gym |
There are a number of places you can park your bike on the Harrow campus. There is room for 70 bikes near the entrance to the lecture theatres (next to the wall) and room for ten bicycles near the lift entrance to the Maria Hewlett building (next to the glass windows).
On the roadside near the roundabout footpath is room for another ten bicycles and alongside the delivery entrance of the Maria Hewlett building are another ten spaces
| Facility | Space available |
|---|---|
University bicycle racks | 70 |
Lockers | 80 |
| Showers | 4 |
| Public bicycle racks | 13 |
| Santander TfL cycle hire scheme | There is provision for 15 bicycles at a docking station on Marylebone Road. |
The cycle store and changing facilities are located in the basement, accessible via Luxborough Street. You will need to visit the security hut and show your ID card to enter through this entrance.
To get into the cycle store you will need to get permissions added to your ID Card for car park/cycle store access by emailing [email protected]. Include your name, ID card number and the location “Marylebone Cycle Store” in the email.
To enter the campus from the changing facilities, use the lift at the end of the hallway. Enter the main campus via the glass doors.
If you require a locker please contact [email protected].
| Facility | Space available |
|---|---|
| Showers | 10 – the showers are located in the gym in the basement of 309 Regent Street |
| Santander TfL cycle hire scheme | There is provision for 18 bicycles at a docking station at Portland Place |
| Public bicycle racks | 13 |
The gym is located in the basement of 309 Regent Street. Showers and changing rooms are located within the gym facilities.
Little Titchfield Street
Santander TFL cycle hire – There is provision for 23 bicycles at a docking station at Foley Street
The closest bicycle rack to the Little Titchfield St campus is on Middleton Place, off Langham Street. There are also a number of racks on Langham Street.
Wells Street
| Facility | Space available |
|---|---|
| Showers | 4 |
| Lockers | 54 |
| Santander TfL cycle hire scheme | There is provision for 37 bicycles at a docking station on Wells Street |
| Public bicycle racks | 13 located on Wells Mews |
Lockers, changing facilities and showers are located in the basement. The public bicycle racks are covered by University CCTV cameras. If you would like a locker please contact the sustainability team at [email protected].
Safety and security
Visibility
Be seen. This may sound obvious, but during the dark winter nights it's dangerous to wear dark clothing – other road users simply cannot see you. Buy and wear high visibility clothing or, if you don't want to do that, buy high visibility stickers for your bike and stick them everywhere.
During the summer, daylight lasts longer and your primary concern will be to keep cool. Try fingerless gloves during summer as they will help protect you if you have a fall. Wearing a helmet is not mandatory in the UK.
Clothing
Good quality cycling clothing is available almost anywhere and there are a number of cycling stores near the University's campuses. This kit will last, and if you invest in weather-proofed items it will make the riding during the winter months more pleasant. It could increase the number of days you can cycle.
Locks
A bicycle can be a big investment and you need to make sure that no-one can steal your treasured possession. As a rule of thumb, the cycling shops recommend that you should spend 10% of the value of the bike on security. This might mean that you buy a good quality "D" lock and even an extension cable (if you have quick release wheels then these are an easy target for thieves). Try and park your bike where there is good street lighting and security cameras.
The West End of London is a bike thief's paradise, so take precautions and lock up. If a front wheel is stolen it could cost you a fair bit of money; the wheel, plus a new tyre and a new inner tube. This, and the inconvenience of not being able to use the bike until it's fixed, is strong motivation to be prepared and lock up.
Travel sustainably
Second hand bicycles
Buying a brand new bike can be expensive. Why not shop second hand as a cheaper and more sustainable alternative? Check out a few local second-hand cycle shops that offer great deals. Peddle My Wheels offer a ‘Try Before you Bike’ service for if you are unsure on which bike to choose. Don’t forget to always do your research before you buy.
Bike donations
Colleagues and students can get rid of their unwanted bikes through UoW. Westminster has worked with The Bike Project who collect and refurbish second-hand bikes and donate them to people seeking asylum in the UK. Second-hand bikes can also be purchased through The Bike Project.
Dr Bike Sessions
If your bike is in need of a check, come along to our Dr Bike sessions. The university invites experienced mechanics to conduct a full check of your bike and carry out minor repairs, if needed, on site. For repairs that require a bit more work, the mechanics give detailed advice on exactly what needs fixing and roughly how much it should cost at a local bike shop. Westminster Wheels offers bike servicing for larger fixes if needed.
Check out our news page to see when the next Dr Bike event is being held.
Cycle skills
Free cycle skills training sessions are available to students and colleagues through Cycle Confident. These sessions are available for students and colleagues and will help improve confidence, build upon existing skills or learn as a beginner.
Transport for London cycling information
- Cycle hire scheme - Use Santander Cycle hire for as little as £1.65 per day or get 25% off yearly membership with a student discount. With annual membership, students get unlimited 60-minute rides for £90, equivalent to 25p per day. Cycle docking stations are located near our West End and Marylebone sites.
- Cycleways
- Cycle skills
- Bikes on public transport