Tips & resources
Riding a bike to university is an an easy, healthy, sustainable and cheap way to make your commute. Here are some tips and resources to help you get started.
Why ride to uni?
Studying at university can open your mind to a whole new world of possibility, and riding a bike to campus can help you arrive ready to soak it all in. There is no overloaded tram to endure and no never-ending hunt for a car park, just clear air, a clear mind and the warm fuzzy feeling that comes with helping the health of the planet and ourselves.
Save money and time
Riding a bike to uni can save you almost $5 a day in Myki fees, and often, also make for a quicker commute. This leaves more time to grab that last minute coffee, or avoid a late entry to a packed lecture hall. And the idea that riding to class means we arrive as hot and sweaty mess is quickly becoming a thing of the past, with many universities around Australia now offering end-of-trip facilities for students to freshen up before hitting the books.
Get the juices flowing
The advantages of active transport go beyond the direct benefits to our physical well-being. It can also prime the brain for the educational experience.
Studies in humans have shown how exercise can promote brain plasticity to help us form new memories and develop new skills. Exercise has also been shown to boost learning in young adults and preserve brain volume in older adults. Students of all ages have something to gain from moving their bodies on the way to class.
A sustainable option
Riding a bike is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air on campus and in the surrounding community. It can also be a great way to meet like-minded people.
Every kilometre you pedal saves 243.8 grams of CO2 emissions!
Physical and mental health benefits
It is recommended that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity each day, and a ride to uni could be all it takes to tick this box. Better yet, make it part of your regular routine and develop healthy habits that you can carry from university life into your professional life.
Riding a bike can also be a great way to boost your mood and meet like-minded students. Fellow two-wheeled travellers can be a great source of inspiration for an evening outing or weekend adventure. And maybe you’ll even make a buddy to bike home with.
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Make sure you’re covered every time you ride with a Bicycle Network membership.
As a member, we’ve got your back with personal accident insurance, third-party insurance, Riders Rights and legal support. We also offer a range of member benefits including discounts on our events and special offers from our partners. Plus – you’ll be supporting us to improve riding conditions and make bike riding safer and more accessible for all Australians.
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Things to know
Part way is ok
If you live within 15 km of campus, then a bike may well be the best means of transport. But riding part of the way is perfectly fine, too. Pedalling to the train station instead of driving can be a great way to get some fresh air and physical activity in along the way, with Bicycle Network’s Parkiteer cages now available at more than 140 train stations around Victoria. Best of all – it’s free!
Learn more and sign upThe essential gear
Don’t get us wrong we all love a shiny new bicycle, but you don’t need the latest carbon fiber or electronic shifters to get the party started. The sheds and garages of friends and family can be a great place to hunt down your next ride. With a little TLC, their trash might just be your treasure.
Failing that, online marketplaces are a great place to look for a bargain, and your local bike shop can be good starting point to discuss your needs and get steered in the right direction. Whatever shape your bike takes, ensuring it is the right size, has working brakes and suitable tyres should be a priority.
Other must-have items include, a helmet that meets Australian standards, lights so you can travel safely when the sun goes down, a bell to let other riders and pedestrians know you’re rolling through the area and a lock to keep your ride secure.
Other handy tips & resources
The perfect page for anyone who is new to bike riding, with some handy resources to help get you rolling.
If you’re new to commuting by bike, here’s a guide on how to plan a bike-friendly route so you can get from A to B with ease.
Use our quick state by state guide to check which methods of public transport you can and can't take your bike on.
There are so many types of bikes out there but which one is right for you and what you want to do?
This instructional video shows you how to safely lock up your bike to a freestanding hoop in a public place.
All bike riders must be legally carrying and using front and rear lights at night or in low light conditions. Here's our tips to light up and be seen.
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