Cyclists, crowds and charging points: results of the Travel Survey 2016

Thursday, 10 November 2016

Speeding cyclists were one of the most common complaints from the 2016 survey.

The University’s Sustainability Services team recently released the results of the 2016 Travel Survey, a bi-annual survey designed to measure the University’s performance against its Travel Plan targets.

The survey also helps identify additional aspects of travel that could be further improved – the results of this year’s survey will directly influence revisions to the University Travel Plan scheduled for next year.

Over 2,600 students and members of staff took part in the survey. Highlights from their feedback include: 

Demand for separate paths

The survey highlighted clear requests for separate cycle paths on campus from both pedestrians and cyclists – key locations flagged included Queen’s Drive, as well as routes between Friends Bridge to Meteorology, RUSU to Black Bridge, and Hopkins to Friends Bridge.

The feedback compliments work currently taking place to improve cycle routes across Whiteknights campus for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as drivers, wheelchair users and the visually impaired.

Path safety and considerate behaviour

It is only natural that feedback highlighting congested routes feeds into wider discussions of user behaviour. The survey highlighted concerns over inconsiderate and unsafe behaviour from both cyclists and pedestrians – two key complaints being speeding cyclists and groups of slow walkers blocking paths. 

Work is currently underway to help raise awareness of these issues, but in the meantime all are reminded to be considerate of the space we currently have available.  

Cars on campus

The survey highlighted strong interest in car clubs and lift shares. Following the survey results, the University has launched a brand new car hire scheme for staff and students.  

Similarly there was clear support for installation of electric vehicle charging points. Discussions are currently underway to have a charging point installed at the Sports Park car park in the future. 

In terms of permits, the survey highlighted dissatisfaction against the process in place to arrange occasional parking permits. Colleagues at Earley Gate found this particularly problematic as they have to come to Whiteknights House to collect a permit, or plan it in advance (which isn’t always possible). The Pay and Display car park on Queen’s Drive should hopefully improve parking for colleagues and visitors at Whiteknights campus, but further work will be carried out for improving parking at Earley Gate.

Further highlights of the results can be found in the Autumn/Winter 2016 edition of Travelwise, with the full report available online.