Saddle do nicely! First batch of 1,000 free University of Bolton bikes for students roll onto Covid-secure campus

The first 200 bicycles bought by the University of Bolton for students to use when the campus reopens safely in September have been delivered.

The bikes will be ready for students to collect and use for free in time for the opening date of Monday September 14.

A total of 1,000 machines and safety helmets have been ordered from Halfords as part of the innovative Student Bike Loan Scheme announced by the University.

It will enable anyone who wants to commute to and from the campus by bicycle to do so.

Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: "It's fantastic to see the bikes we have bought for our students now here on site as part of our innovative plans to make the campus Covid-secure for the new semester."

The Student Bike Loan Scheme is one of a wide range measures to make the campus Covid-19 secure for staff and students in the autumn.

He said: "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."

"We decided to go the extra mile and give all our full-time students the opportunity to access bicycles to use for their commute on a loan basis at no cost to them."

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

Prof Holmes added: "At the University of Bolton we put the student experience at the heart of everything we do and this will be an added bonus for new students starting in September or for those returning to their studies."

Training and safety sessions will be organised for free, run by Bolton Council's 'Bikeability' Scheme, for students who wish to have a cycling 'refresher'.

Joe Taylor, Sales Manager from Halfords for Business, said: "This order from the University of Bolton is the biggest cycle deal we have done with a single business at one time.

"It will be fantastic to see students riding around town on these bikes come September and we look forward to supporting the University and students going forward."

Prof Holmes said: "The University of Bolton is well ahead of the game in transforming its campus to create a place where our students feel safe and happy."

"Students want to see their friends in person, they want to engage with their tutors. We can ensure they will be able to do this in Bolton safely in September."