Brunel cyclists hit 100,000 mark

Leading bike share operator nextbike is celebrating after its Brunel University users crossed the line to reach 100,000 rentals since the scheme launched in March 2019.

The Santander Cycles scheme reached the milestone just after UK Bike Week (6-12 June), which encourages people to get out there and enjoy their local community by bike.

Nextbike UK MD, Krysia Solheim, said she was delighted to announce the news.

“It’s clear that the students and staff at Brunel University have embraced a new-found love for cycling since the scheme was launched just over three years ago.

“To have reached 100,000 rentals is fantastic news for the local area, as people opting to cycle instead of using the car or public transport means that they’re not only helping to reduce CO2 emissions and ease congestion, but they’re also boosting their physical and mental health, too.”

The scheme is run in conjunction with Santander and Brunel University and was first launched in 2019, after Brunel’s triumphant effort in the Santander Cycles University Challenge, a national competition which tasked universities with raising funds for their own local cycle scheme.

Since the launch of nextbike at the university, students and staff have travelled a distance of more than 205,000 miles collectively – and those 100,000 rides have resulted in a whopping 42,000 kg of CO2 saved, equating to almost 2,000 trees.

The scheme has helped thousands of students, locals and tourists ride confidently around the city.

“It’s fitting that the milestone comes just after UK Bike Week which this year asked people to imagine how their local community could be improved if everyone in it used their bikes more,” Krysia explained.

“These last few years have seen a lot of change, many people took up cycling for the first time or rediscovered it. Some for exercise, some for commuting to work, to go to the shops or even just to be able to see friends and family. We’re delighted to be able to give the staff and students at Brunel the opportunity to cycle and pleased to see them utilising it.

Lorraine Caldwell, Brunel’s Associate Director of Environment and Sustainability, said: “The Santander Cycles scheme has been of such significant benefit to Brunel and to the London Borough of Hillingdon, enabling quick connections with Uxbridge Tube station and with Hillingdon Hospital.

“Each of the first 100,000 rentals has played an important part in thehealth of our community and in our sustainability efforts.”

Dan Sherwood, Marketing Director at Santander UK said:“Given the fact that Brunel University students and staff took part – and were successful – in the Santander Cycles University Challenge, it comes as no surprise that the scheme would prove so popular. However, to hit the 100,000 rentals mark in just over three years is pretty phenomenal!

“It’s brilliant that so many people are using Santander Cycles as a sustainable way to get around Uxbridge.”