Making cycling e-asier with free trials and test rides this May
15 May 2023
University cycle schemes
Meet two of our wonderful colleagues who have discovered convenience, freedom and joy powered by an e-bike and find out how you can too!
Hannah Rundle, Director of Faculty Operations in Humanities, has ditched the car in favour of an e-bike for her 12 mile round trip to campus. As she explains, “I have rheumatoid arthritis, it is pretty well controlled but I do struggle with mobility. I was keen to find a low impact way to build exercise into my life, and an electric bike seemed like a good idea after talking to a few colleagues. I was nervous about spending a lot of money to discover it wasn’t right for me. However, I was able to hire a bike through the brilliant scheme we offer here at UoM. It took me a while to get confident on the roads, so it is great it is for four weeks, and by the end I loved it!”
Ian Halliwell, Crime Reduction Officer says “Getting older I found cycling more difficult particularly when it came to hills. I wanted to continue to get the benefit of cycling exercise so the e-bike was the perfect solution. The e-bike now allows me to commute to my local train station as an alternative to driving into work”.
Both Ian and Hannah have seen benefits to their mental and physical health and, as Hannah notes, it builds exercise into the time normally spent commuting by car or train.
There are a whole host of e-bikes available and the options can seem overwhelming. We have teamed up with Manchester Bikes and CyclingUK to provide access to expert information and offer free e-bike hires without the financial commitment.
We will be hosting some e-bike sessions throughout Wellbeing Month where you can try out an e-bike in a safe and friendly environment. “Test rides are a must’ says Ian and advice from a local shop really helped Hannah make her decision.
Are there any negatives? “Getting wet” says Hannah, “but with some good wet weather gear it turns out I am happier getting wet than sitting on a delayed train or being stuck in traffic!’.
E-bike information, skills and confidence sessions:
• Wed 17th & Thu 25th May, 11am-3pm, University Place
• No need to book. E-bikes provided, helmets aren’t necessary but available or you are welcome to bring your own.
There are two schemes available offering free 4-week loans:
• University of Manchester x Manchester Bikes
• CyclingUK Make Cycling e-asier
Join the Universities welcoming network of over 700 cyclists:
• UMBUG
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) offers a range of riding courses from complete beginners to experienced cyclists if you want to build your confidence: