Andie Riches
Faculty: Science and Engineering
School: Psychology, Sport and Sensory Science
Category: Student support services
11 April 2024
Cambridge, with its rich academic heritage and vibrant community, is a city bustling with activity. For students and academics alike, navigating the city's historic streets to reach campus can be an adventure in itself.
Fortunately, Cambridge offers a plethora of eco-friendly commuting options that not only reduce carbon emissions but also provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's unique charm. From walking and cycling to utilising electric bikes and scooters provided by Voi, several sustainable transportation alternatives can make your commute to campus a breeze.
Walking
One of the simplest and most environmentally friendly ways to commute to campus is by walking. Cambridge's compact size and pedestrian-friendly layout make it an ideal city for navigating on foot. Whether you find yourself strolling through quaint cobblestone streets or meandering along the tranquil River Cam, walking allows you to savour the city's picturesque scenery while incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.
Cycling
With its extensive network of bike lanes and flat terrain, Cambridge is renowned as a cyclist's city. Cycling offers a convenient and efficient means of commuting to campus, allowing riders to bypass traffic congestion and arrive at their destination swiftly. Many students (including myself) opt for cycling as their primary mode of transportation, taking advantage of the city's bike-friendly infrastructure and the abundance of bike racks available on campus. I highly recommend investing in a sturdy bike lock to ensure the safety of your bike.
Voi Electric Bikes and Scooters
For those seeking a faster alternative to walking or cycling, Voi electric bikes and scooters provide an exciting and eco-friendly option for commuting around Cambridge. With just a few taps on a smartphone app, you can locate and unlock electric bikes or scooters stationed throughout the city, making it easy to hop on and ride to campus or other destinations. I find these electric vehicles a fun and efficient way to navigate Cambridge's streets while reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation practices. Please note there is a cost to using this service and requires signing up prior to use.
Public Transportation
While walking, cycling, and electric scooters offer great flexibility and convenience, Cambridge also boasts an extensive public transportation network. Buses operated by Stagecoach and the Cambridge Park & Ride service provide convenient links to various parts of the city, including the campuses. Additionally, the Cambridge railway station – less than a mile from campus – offers train services connecting the city to nearby towns and cities, making it easy for commuters to travel to and from campus using public transit.