Cycling for getting about
Many students at Christ's choose to bring a bike to college, as cycling is a quick and convenient way to get around Cambridge (especially for students whose faculties are further away from college). Unfortunately, bike theft is quite common in Cambridge so all students are advised to invest in a good bike lock, and a practical but non-flashy bike is best for getting around.
You can't cycle in College, but Christ's has bike racks close to the Hobson's Street side entrances, which is very convenient for getting in and out quickly. In the small courts by the Hobson Street side gate, there are open-air bike racks, one with Sheffield stands (the inverted U-shaped metal bars that you commonly see for bike parking, toast rack style) and one with A-frames (you hook your bike onto it from the saddle and then lock it on). There is also a covered bike storage area in the College car park.
Students are allowed to leave their bikes in College over the long and short vacations.
 |
 |
| Bikes on some of the Sheffield Stands. The gap in the hedge is where the (card access) side gate is |
Bikes hung from the A-frames and locked to them |
You may be interested in the Cambridge cycle maps. Cambridge is flat and has lots of bike paths / lanes, but there are also some one-way streets which you should be aware of.
Cambridge University Cycling Club
If you want to do more than get about town, you might organise to cycle with a friend or get involved with one of the cycling clubs.
Cambridge University Cycling Club holds steady-pace and training rides on Saturday and Sunday mornings during term time, and competes in BUCS competitions and the annual Varsity time trial against Oxford. The club also organises weekend mountain biking trips. There are lots of options and groups for different paces from entry level to competitive so you should not hesitate to get involved if you want to, whatever your level of experience and fitness.
Flo, a current Christ's student who cycles with CUCC, says:
"You can cycle pretty much everywhere outside the city. It's great to get out of town and see the countryside - cycling with CUCC is good way to get to know different routes."
Some students also cycle with the Cambridge University Triathlon Club, and their website has some routes and training tips as well as safety tips.
Local annual events include the London to Cambridge bike ride and the British Heart Foundation's Oxford to Cambridge bike ride.
