Whilst at University we encourage our students to travel sustainably where possible. How? Visit our sustainability website or find out about some of our sustainable travel support below…
Cycling at the University of Reading
Getting the new term off to a flying start as Dr Bike returns along with Cycling training and the wider support activities – enabling more cycling for transport and leisure. You can visit the Sustainability website to find out more about cycling at the University of Reading.
Dr Bike will be in Palmer Quad from 12:00-14:00 on Wednesday 18 September providing free safety checks. Minor repairs are often fixed on the spot and recommendations given for essential maintenance work. Dr Bike sessions run regularly on Wednesdays throughout term time, 12:00 – 14:00 in Palmer Quad. Check out the Sustainability website for the full timetable of Dr Bike sessions and cycling information.
Cycle training from beginner to road commuter also available on Wednesdays 12:00-18:00 during term term and other days by appointment. Check out the cycle safety leaflet for more information about the sessions, and email k.robertson@reading.ac.uk to book you place.
Find out more about buying and hiring recycled bicycles.
If you are planning on using an e-bike to travel to campus, make sure to read the University’s policy on e-bikes before travelling to campus. Please take particular attention to the ‘General principles’ within the policy.
Please note that e-scooters are not permitted on campus. Further information about this can be found in the University’s e-bikes and e-scooters policy.
Buses
The University works extremely closely with local bus providers to ensure a great service to our campuses and to provide travel discounts for students and staff.
21/21a travels from Reading train station and town centre past London Road campus and onto Whiteknights campus every 7 minutes during the day in term time. The service runs 24/7 so you will never miss the last bus.
You can download the Reading buses app to purchase tickets on the go on your smartphone.
All students are eligible for Reading Buses BOOST fares which can save up to 1/3 in bus fares. Simply show your student campus card to the driver, ask for a Boost fare, and get saving!
If you are a new student, you can also get 2 free trips on Reading buses.
Free park and ride for students
Have you considered Park and Ride as a travel option? By using public transport to travel into and around Reading, you are reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles (SOVs) on the road, reducing traffic, urban air pollution and emissions.
We are now offering a free Park and Ride for staff and students from Mereoak (Junction 11 of the M4, RG7 1WJ).
The University have partnered with Reading Buses and Royal Berkshire NHS Trust to deliver this exciting new sustainable travel option. Staff and students can now use the Hospital P&R 300 from Mereoak. Members of the public can also pay to use the service, all the fare details can be found here.
How to take advantage of this fantastic service:
- Simply show your University of Reading Campus Card to the bus driver
- Free parking at Mereoak is included, no permit needed
- Use the Christchurch Green stop for Whiteknights campus and the Royal Berkshire Hospital stop for the London Road campus
Have any questions? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions.
Co-wheels car club scheme on campus
Did you know you can hire a car from Whiteknights campus for periods from as little as 30 minutes by joining our Co-wheels car club scheme? Very handy for business trips during the working day or for students to explore the wider Reading area without needing your own car. Membership is free to University staff and students (when using a University of Reading email address to register), and you can even get between £10 and £25 worth of free driving credit when you sign up!
University Travel Policy
The University Travel Policy applies to staff, students and any individuals travelling on University business. The policy came into effect on 1 August 2023. Students going on field trips or travelling abroad for research or placements need to use greener transport options under the new Travel Policy. We recommend familiarising yourself with the University’s Travel Policy before planning your transport to ensure you are using the lowest-carbon option for travel.