HUNDREDS of students in Nottingham will be taking to the saddle as the UK's biggest student bike loan scheme is launched today.

Ucycle Nottingham, a £3.32 million scheme run by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, is offering students at Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham the chance to loan one of 440 bikes.

Matthew Easter, Sustrans regional director for East Midlands, said: "This project represents a real investment in Nottingham's future as a sustainable and healthy city.

"Ucycle not only benefits the students – who get the freedom to travel how and when they choose – it offers great health benefits by getting people more active and creating a cleaner, less-congested city with reduced road traffic."

The cycle hire is part of the wider Ucycle Nottingham project which also includes a range of other cycling activities, such as bike maintenance classes and cycle training, which began in September last year and runs until July next year.

Infrastructure such as improved bike routes, as well as lockers and showers, has been put into place at the campuses.

Ucycle Nottingham is being delivered by Sustrans and is funded by Nottingham City Council, East Midlands Development Agency, Cycling England, the two universities and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The project was developed after a Nottingham Cycle Town proposal which brought together partners across Nottingham to promote cycling, including the Greater Nottingham Transport Partnership (GNTP).

Councillor Jane Urquhart, Nottingham City Council's portfolio holder for transport and area working, said: "Nottingham City Council is very committed to encouraging the use of sustainable and public transport.

"As a bike rider myself, I know that Nottingham is a great city to cycle around, particularly with our extensive network of cycle routes.

"I encourage as many people as possible to cycle – it's good for you and good for the environment."

Phillip Darnton, chairman of Cycling England, said: "I am sure this exciting new bike loan scheme will prove to be one of the main tools in Ucycle Nottingham's 'kit bag' to get both staff and students cycling more regularly."

The bikes can be hired for the academic year. They come with lights, lock, mudguards, rack and servicing, and there is training and support from the Ucycle Nottingham team.

The bikes will cost £49 to hire, with a deposit of £100, and the scheme is open to all students.

Professor Alan Dodson, pro vice chancellor for infrastructure at the University of Nottingham, said: "The opportunity for our students to inexpensively hire new bikes for their journeys in and around our campuses boosts our campaign to improve the sustainability."

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