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UCD Bike Library Pilot Programme

UCD logo with purple bike next to it

UCD Bike Library Pilot Programme

Demonstrating the future of low carbon urban commuting

UCD Energy Institute in partnership with UCD Library has launched a pilot bike lending programme for members of the UCD community to demonstrate the potential for e-mobility to transform commuting patterns and reduce transport emissions for universities and organisations of similar size. The UCD Bike Library pilot is the first of its kind in Ireland to offer bike lending through a traditional library service. The (opens in a new window)Higher Education Authority has provided performance funding for the Bike Library as one of three Sustainability Research Demonstrator projects based in the Energy Institute.

The pilot programme is an expansion of previous successful bike library projects conducted by  (opens in a new window)Professor Francesco Pilla. Data and feedback from the pilot will be utilised by academics researching smart and sustainable cities in collaboration with the Energy Institute and  NexSys.

“The Bike Library is about democratising cycling, and finding new ways to give people access to sustainable mobility options and contribute to a greener future.” – Professor Francesco Pilla

This pilot programme offers loans of an e-bike or folding bike free of charge to UCD staff members for a six week period.

people with bikes

Applications for the UCD Bike Library Pilot are currently open for staff and students. If you are interested in a bike loan, please fill out the (opens in a new window)application form at this link.

For interested participants, a free e-learning course on safer cycling is available from UCD Estate Services (opens in a new window)at this link.

Testimonials 

Elaine Cregg, Director of the UCD Sutherland School of Law.

Philip Russell, Information Services Manager, Information & Learning Services, UCD Library

This project is probably the favourite project I've seen in UCD in my 5 years being here. It reduced my commute from 1 hour and 15 minutes (on a good day) to 26 minutes. It helped me with my finances since many times I've been left in a position where I've had to take a taxi to UCD because of no-show buses.

Thank you so much for setting this up. This was my first time experiencing the independence of having a bike and not having to wait for hours after work to get a bus. I was also able to start shopping which I normally wouldn't be able to!

I really enjoyed managing to avail of an eBike during the Bike Library project. It got me back into cycling regularly and also allowed me to attend social activities outside campus with ease.

An excellent way of getting to find out if travelling by e-bike meets your commuting or other travelling needs. Especially useful for those, who like me, commute long distances. It may or may not be for you - but the Bike Library project will help you find out!

The Bike Library project has made a massive impact on my daily commute to campus. It provided an eco-friendly and time efficient commute option, while also promoting sustainability. But most of all, it encouraged me to make healthier choices, and has helped me become a more active and environmentally conscious member of the UCD community.

I would absolutely recommend the library bike project. I travel across the city to work and I had tried every way to get to the Belfield campus. Driving was a nightmare and the train could be unreliable. Being able to try an ebike from the Bike Library project before purchasing one was so useful. I realised that I could do the 13km trip in less that 40 mins consistently. I bought an ebike straight away and use it all the time to commute to work and for other journeys. It's so pleasant to cycle home from work in the evening rather than been stuck in traffic. It also makes me feel like I am doing my bit to reduce my carbon footprint!