E-bikes to ease access between university and town

Guildford's new e-bike hire scheme begins on 18 September

An e-bike hire scheme is being launched in Guildford to help link the university campus and the town centre.

A pilot programme to connect the University of Surrey's Stag Hill and Manor Park campuses with the town centre begins on 18 September.

Within weeks there will be 200 bikes and 46 docking bays across the town, rising to 300 bikes and 56 bays by spring 2025.

Prof Bob Nichol, the university's pro-vice chancellor, said: “The scheme offers both a convenient and green transport option and also a contribution to health and wellbeing, encouraging access to fresh air and exercise – albeit with a bit of electric oomph to help with Guildford’s many hills.”

The launch has been timed to encourage new students to use the bikes.

Surrey County Council has contributed more than £1m to the scheme, with a further £250,000 from Guildford Borough Council.

The bikes are being provided by the bike hire firm Beryl.

By spring 2025 Guildford will have a fleet of 300 e-bikes for hire

Matt Furniss, county council cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth, said: “This will support easier, cleaner travel which will reduce emissions, improve air quality, improve health and wellbeing, and help tackle the climate emergency.”

Guildford Borough Council’s lead for environment and climate change George Potter, said: "Tackling the climate emergency is a key priority for us.

"Giving people greener alternatives to travelling by car is an important part of this given that transport accounts for 51% of carbon emissions in our borough."

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