Students Welcomed At University With Bike Tours

Durham University is offering a great way for new students to get to know the city – taking them on bike tours to settle them into their new surroundings and help them get their bearings.

The Northern Echo reported on the UniCycle walking and cycling scheme, which is designed to help new students get to know Durham, to show them some of the best routes to take and to raise awareness of cycling safety.

A series of four guided bike rides are set to take place this month and into November, covering short distances of three to five miles to show new residents the main sights.

There’s also going to be a women’s only nine-mile bike ride on 28 October, which is great for any ladies who feel a bit self conscious about getting out on two wheels.

For anyone not so keen on jumping in the saddle, there will also be three guided walks, including a ghost walk to introduce students to the darker side of Durham’s heritage.

We love the idea of introducing new students to their university city by bike – after all, we should be encouraging more people to use pedal power than to drive. It’s also a friendly and sociable way to get out and about to explore your new surroundings.

It might even encourage more students to splash out on road bikes in the UK to help them travel between their halls of residence and the university campus throughout their studies.

Whenever you’re getting out on your bike you need to be mindful of safety, both for yourself and other road users. The Department for Transport has recently announced that it plans to review cycling safety, so keep your eyes peeled for any news on updates to existing laws when it comes to cycling.