Two bays have now been installed at Leeds Beckett University’s Headingley campus at the Carnegie School of Sport Building and on City Campus, outside Leeds Beckett Students’ Union. Further bays will be installed later this week at the following locations on the University of Leeds Campus:

• Roger Stevens Entrance
• Converse Column
• Central Village I
• Central Village II
• The Edge Sport Centre

Students can also take advantage of an exclusive student offer, which provides 25% off all Rider Passes for the academic year. Students just need to sign up with their university email address and NUS/student card before completing an online form to receive their own unique discount code. 

Leeds City Bikes is a fully electric public bike hire service delivered by Beryl in partnership with Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Beryl already runs successful partnerships with universities in other scheme areas, generating nearly 34,000 journeys from more than 2,100 students at Bournemouth University and over 34,000 journeys from more than 1,500 students at the University of East Anglia in Norwich.  

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “Shared transport is such a perfect fit for students in so many ways, with the flexibility making it ideal for getting to and from lectures, attending social events or accessing the city centre. 

“With the discounted offer, it's also ideal for student budgets as it removes the costs associated with taxis or private vehicle use, such as fuel, maintenance, storage, tax and MOT. 

“It also removes the difficulties associated with parking, which can often be scarce and expensive in and around university campuses. 

“It’s great that we’re now able to bring the Leeds City Bikes scheme directly to the city’s vibrant student scene and I’m confident it will help break down the barriers to sustainable transport for many people and contribute to reducing carbon emissions across the city.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “E-bikes are a great way to get around the city, boost our health and do our bit for the environment.

“I’m sure students will make the most of these new e-bikes over the coming weeks and months, especially with spring just around the corner.

“Making sure people have access to different transport options is all part of our work to create a stronger, greener and better-connected region.”

Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, said: “It’s fantastic that the Leeds City Bikes service is expanding onto Leeds Beckett University and Leeds University campuses. Students have been the early adopters of the scheme here in Leeds and I’m proud we’ve been able to offer them even more tailored access to it.

“We want Leeds to be a city where you don’t need a car and provides a full and comprehensive transport network. The Leeds City Bikes public e-bike hire scheme is a crucial part of a multi-modal transport offer, providing quick and sustainable journeys across the city centre.“

Dhruv Dev of Leeds Beckett Students’ Union, said: “Leeds Beckett is committed to building a socially responsible and greener future.

“We’re excited that both Headingley and City Campus are now Beryl bike venues, making it easier for students to commute between our campuses

“We hope our students and staff take advantage of having these bikes close by and that they will use them to get around the local area in a healthier and greener way.”

The £2.86 million Leeds City Bikes scheme has been made possible thanks to funding secured through the West Yorkshire Mayoral devolution deal.

Hiring a bike is as easy as “app, tap and roll”: download the Beryl app to find your nearest e-bike, tap your phone near the handlebars to unlock it and off you go.

Since the scheme launched in September 2023, it has already generated nearly 14,000 journeys across nearly 36,000 kilometres.

This first phase of the rollout saw 200 bikes and 20 bays installed across the city centre and along key routes to the south and north west. Further bikes and bays are set to be delivered over the coming months, expanding the scheme further across the city. 

For more information, visit beryl.cc/scheme/leeds