University of Hull unveils new student bike hire hub on campus

A new bike hire hub ready to loan out more than 60 refurbished bikes to University of Hull students has opened on campus.

The scheme, run in a collaboration between the University and local charity R-evolution, is designed to encourage students to use pedal power while commuting to and from campus, providing both physical and mental health benefits during their stay at university.

It will also generate a lesser reliance on cars as users will be able to make use of the city’s upgraded cycle lane network.

Phoebe Bastiani, President of the Hull University Students’ Union, said: “The Hull University Students’ Union worked with R-evolution back in 2019, providing low-cost bikes for students.

“We are so pleased to see that this partnership with the University has developed further. The new bike hire hub will enable students to travel to and from campus in a sustainable way, as well as explore Hull and see everything this wonderful city has to offer.

“In 2019, we formally recognised and declared that we are living in a climate emergency. Since then, we have been taking the necessary steps to act, and as part of my manifesto as President, I have been working on securing more biodiversity on campus, tackling food waste and improving recycling.”

The bike hub is located in the Ferens Building, opposite Wilberforce Building.

Bikes are available to loan for either a week, a Trimester or an Academic Year.

They have been branded in purple by Hull-based vehicle livery and decal firm Brandfixx, who spent just a day-and-a-half kitting out the bikes to make sure they look the part while being ridden around the city, as well as ensuring they are easy to spot during the dark winter nights.

John Marshall, CEO of Cottingham-based charity R-evolution, said: “Brandfixx has given our newly-refurbished fleet of University of Hull loan bikes a fresh lease of life in addition to making them eye catching, easily recognisable and brighter at night.

“The branded decals look very professional and not only look great, but also provide an important safety feature for the upcoming winter months. The team worked tirelessly over a day and a half to wrap over 60 bikes and we can’t thank them enough for their hard work to bring the wonderful final touches to the Bike Hub.”

Greg Saunderson, Brandfixx managing director, said: “Since we launched Brandfixx, we have been lucky enough to work with a range of businesses to translate our innovative approach onto vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

“Our fitters loved working on the R-evolution project at the University of Hull and being given the opportunity to bring about real change for the many students who descend on the city every year.”

Find out more about the Bike Hub here.