University of Bolton bike offer will help students 'avoid public transport'

Students' Union president Ansh Sachdeva said the scheme was a "very positive step"

The University of Bolton has bought 1,000 bicycles to help students avoid public transport when it reopens.

Vice-chancellor Prof George Holmes said the bikes had been bought for students "to use for their commute on a loan basis" from September.

He said it was a "logical measure" as part of the institution's efforts to create "Covid-secure" conditions.

The university will also introduce temperature checks and limits on the number of students allowed on campus.

A bike, along with a helmet, will be available to any student for a refundable £50 deposit and "refresher" cycling sessions will be offered to anyone who wants them, a spokesman said.

'Health benefits'

Prof Holmes said the university "felt a logical measure was to give all students the opportunity to access bicycles to use for their commute on a loan basis".

"It means they will be able to travel... avoiding the need to use public transport, where they may have legitimate concerns about the spread of the virus.

"From September, students will have access to a fully operational, Covid-secure, university campus and be able to study and engage in person with other students and staff."

He added that cycling "also has health benefits for students, as well as helping to protect the environment" and the university would buy more bikes should more than 1,000 of its 7,000 students take up the offer.

University of Bolton Students' Union president Ansh Sachdeva said it was a "very positive step".

"It is another measure taken during this pandemic that shows students' welfare is being considered," he added.