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 free Cycling training and bike hire. 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 every Wednesday during semester time providing free safety checks and minor repairs. Check out the Sustainability website for the full timetable of Dr Bike sessions and cycling information.
We offer free cycle training, from complete beginner to more advanced commuting trips, giving you the opportunity to up on local rules and laws or improve your confidence. Training sessions run every afternoon Wednesday during semester time. To book your space or find out more information, contact k.robertson@reading.ac.uk
If you want to cycle but do not want to buy a bike, take advantage of the Unicycle scheme run by RUSU and loan recycled bikes by the term or year. Limited bicycles available, so enquire quickly! To find out more information, contact k.robertson@reading.ac.uk . We also run second hand bike sales throughout the year. The next sale is at On Your Bike Day on 9th October in Palmer Quad and then on 20th November which is part of Green Festival 2024.
If you are planning on bringing an e-bike , 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.
A new bus – the White knight 20, is being launched this year! The bus will provide an express service between Whiteknights Campus and Reading Station, also stopping at Christchurch Green and St Mary’s Butts. The service will run up to every 10 minutes during semester time.
Alternaitvely, the 21 provides a stopper service between Reading train station and town centre, Kendrick Student Village, past London Road campus and onto Whiteknights campus every 15 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 live-track buses on the go on your smartphone.
Reading Buses now operates ‘tap on, tap off’ , which is currently the cheapest way of paying for ad-hoc tickets. Simply tap your card or payment device on and then again when you exit the bus.
All students are also eligible for Reading Buses BOOST fares which work out cheaper when travelling regularly. You can buy these via the app or from the bus shop in St Marys Butts.
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?
We offer free Park and Ride for staff and students from Mereoak (Junction 11 of the M4, RG7 1WJ).
How to take advantage of this fantastic service:
- Simply show your University of Reading Campus Card to the bus driver (‘Hosptial 300 Park & Ride bus’)
- 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 students to explore the wider Reading area without needing your own car. Membership is free to University students (when using a University of Reading email address to register), and you can even £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.