Beat the traffic and enjoy a cycle into St Andrews along the Guardbridge to St Andrews cycle route.
Using bikes from the Transition Bike pool we will be able to offer commuters a FREE bike loan service from the “Guardbridge Park and Pedal” stop throughout the 8 week period of road closure. This will be an ideal opportunity to try out cycle commuting along the 4.5 mile off road stretch before making it a regular part of your journey in the future.
When
The road closure is expected to take place from 15 February 2016 to 8 April 2016 and lead to an 8.5 mile extension to journeys from Guardbridge to St Andrews by car. We will look to run the cycle loan scheme initially for the same period but would be happy to continue to loan bikes for a low rental fee after this in a similar way to our current bike loan scheme on a semester or weekly basis.
How does the scheme work ?
- Check out what’s available on our bike list.
- Email transition@st-andrews.ac.uk or phone 01334 464000 with your choice.
- Pay a £50 deposit through the Bike Booking site.
- Email the receipt to transition@st-andrews.ac.uk.
- You’re ready to ride! We will confirm your bike number, its location and the bike lock’s combination code.
What’s the deposit for?
We hold a £50 deposit against each bike hired. This will be returned to you within 5 days once the bikes, helmet and locks have been returned. Only if there are signs of damage or loss will there be any charge against the deposit. Don’t hold back though – wear and tear are not charged for and we encourage you to cycle as far as possible.
First ride
Once you have your bike and lock number you can pick up and use your bike whenever you like. Alternatively, you can come to one of our “try it” mornings where we can check over the bike with you, make adjustments and provide you with a helmet and hi-viz armbands. You can then join a led ride with other people towards St Andrews or set off on your own.
Bike Loan Pick up and maintenance sessions will take place on
- Monday 15th Feb from 8am to 9am with a led ride leaving at 8.30am
- Friday 19th Feb from 8am to 9am with a led ride leaving at 8.30am
- Friday 26th Feb from 8am to 9am with a led ride leaving at 8.30am
- Friday 4th March from 8am to 9am with a led ride leaving at 8.30am
- Friday 11th March from 8am to 9am with a led ride leaving at 8.30am
- Friday 18th March from 8am to 9am with a led ride leaving at 8.30am
- Friday 25th March from 8am to 9am with a led ride leaving at 8.30am
- Friday 1st April from 8am to 9am with a led ride leaving at 8.30am
Bike Maintenance sessions for commuters
If you have any issues with your bike please get in touch and we will endeavour to fix the bike at a convenient time
You can also bring your bike to our weekly sessions at DRA halls Nesbit room every Tuesday from 5 pm to 6.30pm
Our Bikes
There will be 20 bike available through the scheme and availability can be checked on our bikes list with availability from Guardbridge. We will have a good range of bikes on offer. That means you can find a bike to suit your size and preference from town bikes to racers. Each bike has been refurbished by a team of volunteers overseen by a bike mechanic expert to ensure they are safe, efficient and reliable.
All our hire bikes include bike lights, helmets (if required) and cycle lock so you are ready to go !
Park and Pick Up
You can leave your car free of charge at the Guardbridge Mill Park and Pedal stop. This is opposite the Guardbridge Mill on the A919 North bound side. TBC
Your bike will be locked up adjacent to the car-park so you can quickly make the change from car to bike.
The Ride
We have produced a handy guide to the cycle path between Leuchars and St Andrews, with a carefully annotated map and lots of photographs to show you how the route lies on the ground.
You will be commuting to St Andrews along a 4 mile, flat, off road cycle route during early daylight making this a great way to start the morning or relax at the end of the day. The route is well signposted but please be extra aware as you leave the park and cycle to take the cycle route behind the housing to the south as this will avoid the road works.
On arrival in St Andrews you have over 1000 bike spaces to choose from to enabling you to park you bike close to where you work without the need to find a parking space
Showers are available at 15 locations across the University if you need to get changed and freshen up.
Your return to Guardbridge will be at dusk with sunset around 5pm. Hi-visibility clothing and good lights will be required. You will be given reflective armbands and bike lights as part of the scheme but please wear more if you have any.
What to Wear
Depending on how fast you go you will get pretty warm on your commute so its best to wear layers of clothing that can help you balance your temperature and remain comfortable. Wear items with zips, breathable, windproof and technical wickable clothing. You will certainly need gloves in winter too.
This post was amended on 22nd January to give the correct length of time for the road closure at 8 weeks.
