Cycling in Oxford

Bicycles and Cycling in Oxford

Bikes are the best way to explore Oxford. Places that are simply too far to walk to and not convenient by bus are within easy (flat) biking distance. A bike makes the commute between the WEPO complex, Exeter College, and the city more manageable. 

The Programme has a number of bikes available for students to rent during the year. Reasonable maintenance of the bike will be covered by the rental fee (e.g. oiling chain, replacing brake cable & brake pads). However, damage caused by misuse (which will be determined by our repairer), will not be covered, and the student will be expected to cover the cost for causing the damage (e.g. tyre puncture, bent wheels/frames, etc.). It's important that you treat your bike well and ride carefully to avoid damage. Tyres are easily punctured if riding over debris on the side of the road, for example, so it's important you remain vigilant.

Students who return a damaged bike or accessory will be charged the cost to replace or repair the bike and accessories. It’s important that you take care of your bike so that future WEPO students are able to take advantage of them.

List of Hired Accessories & Charges for Missing/Non-Returned/Damaged Items:

• Bike: £300

• Helmet: £40

• D-Lock (including missing/damaged key): £30

• Bell: £10

• Front light: £10

• Rear light: £10

• Rear Carrier: £35

• Front basket: £25

*Please note that the above charges may be subject to change, as these are based on current product costs.

Bikes and accessories remain the property of the Programme. Please notify the Director of Administration immediately if Programme bicycles need any repair work, if you’ve lost a bike, or damaged/lost any issued accessories. You may either bring/purchase your own helmet for use, or borrow one from the programme. Keep in mind that you must wear a helmet any time you're riding your bike.

We highly recommend that you bring and use reflective arm/ankle straps or additional reflective clothing at night time to aid your safety on the roads. These can be cheaply purchased through Amazon if you do not own these already.

It is important to lock your bike to proper stands at all times to avoid theft. In addition, be sure to take your bike lights with you if you lock your bike in a public place as these are frequently stolen if left unattended. Bikes are stolen every year from Oxford city centre. We strongly encourage you to utilize the bike racks within Exeter College whilst downtown, as it's safer to leave them in this relatively private space than out on the city streets.

Rules of the Road

Cyclists and vehicles drive on the LEFT side of the road in the UK. Use designated cycling paths/lanes, be wary of traffic around/overtaking you, be cautious when overtaking other cyclists, look out for pedestrians on paths or crossing the road, and always obey rules at traffic lights – i.e. you MUST STOP at RED lights. Front and rear lights are required by law to be used on your bikes at night or if bad weather impairs vision (e.g. fog or rain). The roads in Summertown and around Oxford are very busy, so we advise familiarising yourself with cycling proficiency and safety before you come to the UK if possible if you are not an experienced cyclist.

It is against the law to cycle whilst listening to music/podcasts/etc. on headphones.

Bike Repairs

If you do have trouble with your WEPO bike and it needs to be fixed, you should bring it to Summertown Cycles on Banbury Road. If you know the damage was your fault, you can pay them directly. Alternatively, you can ask them to invoice us and we can assess the damage. If it is determined to be your responsibility, we can charge you or put the damage on your term bill. When you go to Summertown Cycles, please let them know that this is a Williams College bike.

If you have any questions or concerns about damage or repairs to your bike, please contact the Director of Administration.

Cycling Resources:

Broken Spoke Bike Co-op (bsbcoop.org) offers urban biking lessons and bike maintenance workshops for Oxford University students. This is useful if you’re not used to cycling on urban roads. Members of the University of Oxford are entitled to 3 sessions (6 hours) of cycling training paid by the University. You’ll need to select ‘paid for by Oxford University’ to take advantage of this offer on the booking system.

Summertown Cycles and Cycle King hire out bikes for a day/per week over short-term and long-term periods, so if a family member/friend wishes to hire a bike, go and visit these bike shops.

You’ll see the Orange and Green Bikes around town. Visit www.dailyinfo.co.uk/dockless-bike-hire for more information.

Bikes from outside the programme may not be parked at the WEPO complex unless previously approved by the Director of Administration.