Bike Hire Scheme Booklet - Harper Adams University College

Harper Adams 

University College 

Shropshire 

Bike Hire Scheme 

CYCLE SAFETY BOOKLET SUPPORTED BY: 

AWARDS FOR ALL LOTTERY FUNDING

INTRODUCTION 

This booklet has been commissioned by the ‘Bike Hire Scheme’ 

run by the Student Services Department at Harper Adams 

University College, Shropshire. 

Improving transport sustainability and providing greater 

choice for students and staff became achievable in 2008 

through grant funding obtained by the Sustainable 

Technologies Network based at Harper Adams. The 

funding was granted under the ‘Awards for All’, 

programme, which forms part of The National Lottery 

who provide‘Lottery funds for local groups’. Monies from 

the grant were used towards new bikes, helmets, locks, 

pumps, bike pods, cycle safety booklets and trail maps. 

Full details of the terms and conditions of the Harper 

Adams ‘Bike Hire Scheme’ can be found at www.harperadams.ac.uk/student_services 

or by telephoning the 

Student Services Reception on 01952 815396. A full 

set of terms and conditions setting out eligibility and 

criteria for use, maintenance, insurance, disclaimer, late 

return and cycle proficiency etc can also be viewed at 

www.harper-adams.ac.uk/student_services 

as well as membership instructions for 

the scheme. 

Trail maps of cycle routes in and around Harper Adams 

University College is also available from Student Services. 

Whether you just wish to borrow a bike to travel around 

the college campus or cycle to and from your 

accommodation or enjoy the local area, the Student 

Services and Sustainable Technologies teams at Harper 

Adams wish you a happy, safe and healthy biking 

experience and hope this booklet provides some of the 

answers to any queries you may have. 

“Dave Mellor Cycles are pleased to support the Harper 

Adams University College Bike Hire Scheme and the Cycle 

Safety Initiative”. 

02 Harper Adams University College

CONTENTS 

Giant CRS 4.0 from Dave Mellor Cycles, 

Shrewsbury. 

04 Bike Hire Scheme at Harper Adams 

06 Adjusting your bike to suit you 

06 Cycling Techniques 

06 Starting out on your journey 

07 Safety Clothing & Helmets 

07 Cycling Accessories 

08 Cycling in different conditions 

09 Rules for Cyclists – Cycling on 

Roads 

11 Rules for Cyclists – Cycling on cycle 

lanes, tracks and paths etc 

12 Route from College to Newport and 

useful contact numbers 

Cycle Safely 

03

HARPER ADAMS BIKE HIRE SCHEME 

The Student Services Staff are available and happy to explain the scheme 

and answer any questions that may arise.A short resume of the scheme is given 

below but full terms and conditions and membership details are available from 

www.harper-adams.ac.uk/student_services or by contacting Student Services on 

01952 815396.The terms and conditions contain a declaration of agreement 

which will need to be signed prior to bike hire. 

Eligibility for Scheme 

• Cycles may only be used by staff and students who are 

respectively employed by or registered with Harper 

Adams University College. 

• Loans of cycles will initially be for a period of 1 week. 

• Cycles can only be booked up to 7 days in advance. 

• Any cycle issued to a member of staff or student can 

only be used by that particular member of staff or 

student. 

• Cycles must not be ridden whilst under the influence of 

alcohol or illegal substances. 

Membership of Scheme 

• Staff/students will need to provide their current and 

valid Staff/Student ID Card and a deposit 1 which will be 

refunded on return of the cycle in good condition. 

• Return the cycle in the same condition as originally 

borrowed at the end of the loan period to the relevant 

dedicated cycle pod. (All cycles must be checked by a 

porter before being return to the pod. They can be 

contacted on 01952 815321 or porters@harperadams.ac.uk 

to book a time to get the cycle checked). 

• Return the bike lock keys, pod key and cycle check form, 

to the Student Services Receptionist. 

1 

The refundable deposit fee is detailed on the website or by 

contacting Student Services but has not been included in this 

booklet in case it may need to be changed from time to time. 

Maintenance 

• The cycles are checked and maintained so as to be in 

roadworthy condition on a planned preventative basis 

at bi-monthly intervals. 

• Users must not under any circumstance take a cycle 

out in the knowledge that a fault is present. Brakes, 

lights, tyres and free movement of wheels and pedals 

must be checked by the user before commencing use. 

All faults must be reported immediately by the user to 

the Student Services Receptionist, either upon initial 

inspection by the user or at any time subsequently as 

soon as the user becomes aware of a fault. 

Insurance 

• The cycles are insured for theft and accidental damage 

but with a £50.00 excess payable by the user in the 

event of any claim arising in relation to a cycle 

whilst loaned by the user. The cycles are provided 

with locks and must be fully locked to a secure cycle 

parking stand, whenever left unattended except if kept 

overnight at the user’s private address, when the cycle 

must be kept in a secure locked area. 

• If a bike is stolen, the user must report it immediately 

upon becoming aware of this to either the Student 

Services Receptionist (01952 815395) 9am - 5pm 

or Security (07980 061128) after 5pm. 

• If a cycle is stolen from the user’s private address, 

evidence must be produced by the user sufficient to 

prove forced or violent entry before a claim can be 

considered. All claims will be subject to the terms and 

conditions of the insurance.These can be inspected by 

a user upon application to the Director of Corporate 

Affairs. 


Disclaimer: 

• Users of the cycles shall abide by the Highway Code at 

all times. HarperAdams University College shall not 

be liable for any injury or loss, whatsoever, in 

relation to use or loan of a cycle, except in relation 

to death or personal injury arising from the 

University’s negligence. Any injury or loss resulting 

from, or arising in connection with the reckless, 

careless or improper use of a cycle by a user shall 

be borne by such user. Users have a duty to report 

any damage or faults relating to the cycles immediately, 

so that they can be maintained in a roadworthy 

condition. 

• If any damage is sustained to a cycle while in the 

possession of a user (beyond reasonable wear and tear) 

then the user will be liable for the cost of any repair 

required; this will either be deducted from the deposit 

paid or an invoice will be raised accordingly by the 

College. 

Redress for Late Return: 

• The success of the bike hire scheme depends on cycles 

being available to the maximum potential number of 

users. To encourage this and also to compensate the 

College for being unable to allocate a cycle to another 

user whilst overdue, fees will be levied and up to date 

rates are set out in the latest terms and conditions 

available at the web address below or by contacting 

Student Services on 01952 815396. 

Cycling Training and Proficiency – Wearing of 

Helmets 

A Cycling Proficiency Scheme will be operated routinely 

and all cycle users are strongly encouraged to avail 

themselves of this service. For enhanced personal safety, 

users are encouraged to wear a helmet. This can be 

borrowed free with the loan of a cycle for use by the user. 

Users who do not return with the cycle such helmet 

or return it in a damaged condition will pay on 

demand a £25.00 compensatory charge to the 

College. 

Cycle Routes & Maps 

A separate leaflet called ‘Cycling around Harper’ details 

the main cycle route from Harper Adams University 

College to Newport which is a route clearly marked with 

blue signs. It also highlights 3 other routes in and around 

the College that cyclists may wish to follow. 

A full set of routes available for cyclists is contained in 

the Telford & Wrekin Council ‘Walking/ 

Cycling Route Map’ which is either 

available from Student Services or 

by emailing Telford & Wrekin direct 

on nick.kitchen@telford.gov.uk 

www.harper-adams.ac.uk/student_services 

Cycle Safely 

05

Adjusting your 

bike to suit you 

Cycling techniques 

Highway Code – Rule 66 

Seat height 

This should be set so that your leg 

is almost straight when you’re 

sitting on the saddle with one heel 

on the pedal at its lowest point. 

Note: too low can be hard on the 

knees, too high can be bad for the 

lower back. 

Seat position 

This can be adjusted forwards or 

backwards using an allen key. As a 

general rule, your kneecap should 

be directly above the mid-point of 

the pedal when the pedal is at its 

furthest point forward. The saddle 

should be level, or tilted forward 

very slightly for greater comfort. 

Handlebars 

The reach, angle and height can all 

be adjusted either with a spanner 

or Allen key, or by changing the 

stem. It's worth remembering that 

a more upright riding position will 

help you look around more easily, 

either in traffic or just to enjoy the 

view. With a properly sized and 

adjusted bike you will avoid most 

discomfort and injury. However, 

you may need to persist with 

minor alterations until the bike fits 

perfectly or visit a bike shop for 

advice. 

You should: 

• Keep both hands on the handlebars 

except when signalling or changing 

gear. 

• Keep both feet on the pedals. 

• Be considerate of other road users, 

particularly blind and partially 

sighted pedestrians. 

• Let them know you are there when 

necessary, for example, by ringing 

your bell. 

You must not: 

• Ride more than two abreast, and 

ride in single file on narrow or busy 

roads and when riding round bends. 

• Ride close behind another vehicle. 

• Carry anything which will affect 

your balance or may get tangled up 

with your wheels or chain. 

Starting Out on your Journey 

Check list: 

• Essential items: cycle helmet, lights, 

a pump, gloves for winter cycling, 

puncture repair kit, lock. 

• Longer-distance cycling: padded 

shorts or underpants, layers of 

clothing, water bottle, snacks, 

maps. 

• All-weather cycling: waterproof 

jacket and trousers, reflective 

clothing. 

Safety Clothing 

Highway Code - Rule 59 

What you should wear to keep safe: 

• A cycle helmet which conforms to 

current regulations is the correct 

size and securely fastened. 

• Appropriate clothes for cycling. 

Avoid clothes which may get 

tangled in the chain, or in a wheel 

or may obscure your lights. 

• Light-coloured or fluorescent 

clothing which helps other road 

users to see you in daylight and 

poor light. 

• Reflective clothing and/or reflective 

accessories (belt, arm or ankle 

bands) that glow in the dark. 


Cycling Clothes 

Tops 

On longer journeys, several layers 

will allow you to adjust to different 

temperatures.T-shirts, thermal vests 

and jackets should be long enough 

to cover your back. A fleece is ideal 

for keeping warm on chilly days and 

a shower/waterproof top with zips 

(to help adjust to temperature 

changes) can be packed in your bag 

just in case. Breathable waterproof 

clothes tend to be expensive, but are 

a good investment for regular 

cyclists offering maximum protection 

while allowing sweat to escape. 

Shorts & trousers 

Padded cycling shorts or underpants, 

whether loose or lycra, can guard 

against discomfort on long journeys 

and are available in male and female 

versions. Leggings or tracksuit 

trousers can go over these in the 

cold weather and a pair of 

waterproof trousers is essential if 

you intend to cycle in all conditions. 

Gloves 

Your hands are much more 

susceptible to cold on a bike than 

when you are out walking so a pair 

of gloves is a must in winter. 

Shoes 

Trainers or everyday shoes are fine 

for most journeys, although 

specialised shoes which clip into the 

pedals are available for the really 

dedicated. 

Helmets 

A helmet is necessary to provide 

vital protection if you fall off your 

bike.The helmet provided by Harper 

Adams University College carries a 

CE mark and abides by the safety 

standards SNELL, B90/B95. It is 

essential that it is comfortable and 

fitted correctly – a badly fitted 

helmet can be a liability not a 

protection. 

Cycling Accessories 

Water bottle 

When cycling long distances, or in 

warm weather, it is possible to 

become dehydrated so don’t forget 

to take plenty of liquid. Bottle 

carriers that fit to the bike frame are 

available cheaply from bike shops 

together with bottles, but you can 

usually take one litre plastic squash 

bottles. 

Snacks for long journeys 

You’ll burn up plenty of energy on a 

long cycle trip, so remember to carry 

some spare food. 

Maps/guidebooks 

There is a local guide for the area 

around Harper Adams University 

College and also a number of routes 

available on the following website 

www.sustrans.org.uk for a range 

of maps and guides to buy on-line. 

Additionally Telford & Wrekin 

Council have their own ‘Walking & 

cycling Map’ available by emailing 

nick.kitchen@telford.gov.uk 

Spare clothes 

On day trips, pack an extra layer as 

your body temperature may drop 

when you stop for a break. 

Lock it securely or you 

could lose it 

Lock 

This can be a cable lock, a chain with 

padlock or ideally a rigid metal D- 

lock 

Carriers/holdalls 

For small loads, a bum bag will 

suffice and small rucksacks are fine 

for carrying light loads but can make 

you hot. For heavier loads it’s 

advisable to invest in some panniers. 

These are specially adapted bags 

that fit onto a cycle rack usually 

fitted over the rear wheel. Front 

racks and panniers are available and 

are useful if you have a child seat on 

the back of your bike or when 

combined with rear panniers for 

cycle touring. Barbags that fit onto 

the handlebars or pouches mounted 

underneath the saddle are useful for 

maps, money and tools – but 

remember to remove these from 

your bike when locking up. 

Pumps 

You will usually have to buy this 

essential tool separately. There are 

two basic types of tyre valve: the 

traditional Presta valve and the 

wider Schraeder valve (like that on a 

car tyre). Make sure you get a pump 

that fits the right type of valve – or 

choose one that fits both types. 

Inflate your tyres to the 

recommended pressure specified on 

them (e.g. 60psi). Correctly inflated 

tyres make cycling a lot easier, 

improve handling and reduce the risk 

of punctures. 

Cycle Safely 

07

Cycling in different conditions 

Check list: 

• Cycling at night: use lights and 

reflective clothing. 

• Cycling in wet weather: wear bright 

clothing and consider using your 

lights; use waterproof clothing; 

check your bike especially brakes, 

tyres and gears, more regularly. 

• Cycling in very hot conditions: wear 

cool cotton clothes and use suntan 

cream; drink plenty. 

Cycling at night 

Lights –What lights your bike should 

have at night. 

Highway Code Rule 60 

At night your cycle MUST have 

white front and red rear lights lit. 

It MUST also be fitted with a red rear 

reflector and amber pedal reflectors. 

White front reflectors and spoke 

reflectors will also help you to be 

seen. 

Flashing lights are permitted but it is 

recommended that cyclists who are 

riding in areas without street lighting 

use a steady front lamp. 

Most lights are designed to be quick 

release so try to remove them when 

leaving your bike. 

Cycling in the wet 

Stay visible 

Once again, being visible is a key 

safety concern – bright fluorescent 

clothing is recommended, particularly 

for on-road cycling, and you 

should consider using your lights. It 

is advisable to wear bright reflective 

clothing when cycling at night. A 

reflective jacket or waistcoat that 

slips over your coat will help to 

define your shape in the dark. 

Reflective patches, badges, tape and 

stickers can be applied anywhere on 

the bike or rider, and are 

recommended to maximise your 

visibility. 

Keeping dry 

Light, well ventilated, waterproof 

jackets and trousers that can be 

slipped over your standard clothes 

are essential items for all-weather 

cyclists. Breathable waterproof 

products are more expensive, but 

will help keep you cool and dry, and 

for the really dedicated, it is possible 

to get waterproof shoe protectors. 

Keeping your bike maintained 

Rain will wash away the oil that 

provides essential lubrication so you 

may need to check items such as 

chain and gears on a daily basis 

during a spell of bad weather. Make 

sure your brakes are in top condition, 

tyres well pumped and remember 

that it takes longer to stop in the 

wet. 

Cycle carefully 

While roads in general will become 

more slippery in the rain, surfaces 

such as painted road markings and 

metal plates can provide very little 

friction in the rain and can be 

extremely hazardous. Avoid applying 

your brakes too sharply – instead, 

cycle more slowly and carefully, 

especially down hills and around 

corners. Where there is mud, slow 

down or get off the bike and walk 

around. 

Cycling in very hot weather 

It’s not usually necessary to take any 

special precautions for short 

everyday trips. However, on longer 

journeys, remember to use suntan 

lotion or to cover your arms and the 

back of your neck. It’s also advisable 

to drink plenty of water to avoid 

dehydration and take extra clothes 

for when you stop and may cool 

down. 


RULES FOR CYCLISTS – Cycling on Roads 

Check list: 


• Follow the Highway Code – in 

particular, don’t jump traffic lights 

or cycle on pavements (except 

where designated). 

• Use clear signals at all times, so 

that other road users are in no 

doubt as to what you intend to do. 


• Obey all traffic signs and traffic 

light signals. 


• Do not cross the stop line when 

traffic lights are red. Some 

junctions may have an advanced 

stop line to enable you to wait and 

position yourself ahead of other 

traffic. 

• Use clear signals at all times, so 

that other road users are in no 

doubt as to what you intend to do. 

• At night, ensure that motorists can 

see you by using lights and wearing 

reflective clothing. (It’s a good idea 

to wear reflective clothing during 

the day in urban settings, where 

there is heavy traffic.) 

• In wet weather, take care and 

watch your speed. Surfaces may be 

slippery and it will take longer to 

stop. 

• At junctions, gaining eye contact 

with other road users is a good way 

of ensuring that they have seen 

you. 

You should: 


• Look all around before moving 

away from the kerb, turning or 

manoeuvring, to make sure it is 

safe to do so. Give a clear signal to 

show other road users what you 

intend to do. 

• Look well ahead for obstructions in 

the road, such as drains, pot-holes 

and parked vehicles so that you do 

not have to swerve suddenly to 

avoid them. Leave plenty of room 

when passing parked vehicles and 

watch out for doors being opened 

or pedestrians stepping into your 

path. 

• Be aware of traffic coming up 

behind you. 

• Take extra care near road humps, 

narrowings and other traffic 

calming features. 

• Take care when overtaking. 

You must not: 


• Carry a passenger unless your cycle 

has been built or adapted to carry 

one. 

• Hold onto a moving vehicle or 

trailer. 

• Ride in a dangerous, careless or 

inconsiderate manner. 

• Ride when under the influence of 

drink or drugs, including medicine. 

Cycle Safely 

09

Road junctions 

Highway Code – Rules 72-75 

• On the left. When approaching a 

junction on the left, watch out for 

vehicles turning in front of you, out 

of or into the side road. Just before 

you turn, check for undertaking 

cyclists or motorcyclists. Do not 

ride on the inside of vehicles 

signalling or slowing down to turn 

left. 

• Pay particular attention to long 

vehicles which need a lot of room 

to manoeuvre at corners. Be aware 

that drivers may not see you.They 

may have to move over to the right 

before turning left. Wait until they 

have completed the manoeuvre 

because the rear wheels come very 

close to the kerb while turning. Do 

not be tempted to ride in the space 

between them and the kerb. 

• On the right. If you are turning 

right, check the traffic to ensure it 

is safe, then signal and move to the 

centre of the road.Wait until there 

is a safe gap in the oncoming traffic 

and give a final look before 

completing the turn. It may be 

safer to wait on the left until there 

is a safe gap or to dismount and 

push your cycle across the road. 

• Dual carriageways. Remember that 

traffic on most dual carriageways 

moves quickly.When crossing wait 

for a safe gap and cross each 

carriageway in turn.Take extra care 

when crossing slip roads. 

Roundabouts 


• You may feel safer walking your 

cycle round on the pavement or 

verge. If you decide to ride round 

keeping to the left-hand lane you 

should be aware that drivers may 

not easily see you. 

• Take extra care when cycling across 

exits. 

• You may need to signal right to 

show you are not leaving the 

roundabout. 

• Watch out for vehicles crossing 

your path to leave or join the 

roundabout. 

• Give plenty of room to long 

vehicles on the roundabout as they 

need more space to manoeuvre. 

Do not ride in the space they need 

to get round the roundabout. It 

may be safer to wait until they 

have cleared the roundabout. 

Crossings 


• Do not ride across equestrian 

crossings, as they are for horse 

riders only. Do not ride across a 

pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. 

Dismount and wheel your cycle 

across. 

• Toucan crossings. These are lightcontrolled 

crossings which allow 

cyclists and pedestrians to share 

crossing space and cross at the 

same time. They are push-button 

operated. Pedestrians and cyclists 

will see the green signal together. 

Cyclists are permitted to ride 

across. 

• Cycle-only crossings. Cycle tracks 

on opposite sides of the road may 

be linked by signalled crossings.You 

may ride across but you MUST 

NOT cross until the green cycle 

symbol is showing. 

• Level crossings/Tramways. Take 

extra care when crossing the tracks. 

You should dismount at level 

crossings where a‘cyclist dismount’ 

sign is displayed. 

10 Harper Adams University College 010

Cycling on cycle lanes, tracks and paths etc: 

Highway Code – Rules 61, 62, 63, 65 

Check list: 

• Keep to your side of any dividing 

line (but if in doubt, keep left). 

• Give way to pedestrians, horse 

riders and wheelchair users and 

acknowledge/thank those that give 

way to you. 

• Do not expect to cycle at high 

speeds and be prepared to slow 

down or stop if necessary. 

• Take special care at junctions, 

bends and entrances. 

• Fix a bell to your bike and use it to 

warn of your approach. However, 

remember that some people are 

hard of hearing or visually impaired 

so don’t assume they can see or 

hear you. 

Cycle Routes and Other 

Facilities 

Use cycle routes, advanced stop 

lines, cycle boxes and toucan 

crossings unless at the time it is 

unsafe to do so. Use of these 

facilities is not compulsory and will 

depend on your experience and skills, 

but they can make your journey 

safer. 

Cycle Tracks 

These are normally located away 

from the road, but may occasionally 

be found alongside footpaths or 

pavements. Cyclists and pedestrians 

may be segregated or they may 

share the same space (unsegregated).When 

using segregated 

tracks you MUST keep to the side 

intended for cyclists as the 

pedestrian side remains a pavement 

or footpath 2 . Take care when 

passing pedestrians, especially 

children, older or disabled people, 

and allow them plenty of room. 

Always be prepared to slow down 

and stop if necessary.Take care near 

road junctions as you may have 

difficulty seeing other road users, 

who might not notice you. 

Cycle Lanes 

These are marked by a white line 

(which may be broken) along the 

carriageway (see Rule 140). Keep 

within the lane when practicable. 

When leaving a cycle lane check 

before pulling out that it is safe to do 

so and signal your intention clearly 

to other road users. Use of cycle 

lanes is not compulsory and will 

depend on your experience and skills, 

but they can make your journey 

safer. 

Public Footpaths 

Public footpaths are for pedestrians 

and wheelchair users only. It is illegal 

to cycle on a footpath unless 

permission has been granted by the 

landowner to use it as a shared use 

path. 

Bus Lanes 

Most bus lanes may be used by 

cyclists as indicated on signs.Watch 

out for people getting on or off a 

bus. Be very careful when overtaking 

a bus or leaving a bus lane as you 

will be entering a busier traffic flow. 

Do not pass between the kerb and a 

bus when it is at a stop. 

Bridleways 

Public bridleways can be used by 

walkers, horse riders, wheelchair 

users and cyclists. However, by law, 

cyclists should give way to other 

users. Bridleways may not have been 

specifically designed for cycle use, so 

surfaces may be poor. Whenever 

cycling near horse riders ensure you 

indicate your presence by using your 

bell or calling out. 

Shared use paths 

Shared use paths are those 

designated for use by pedestrians, 

cyclists, and in some cases horse 

riders. These are usually free of 

motor traffic and are specifically 

designed for the different users, so 

surfaces should be good. Permissive 

shared use paths include sections of 

canal towpaths, forest tracks, disused 

railways, footpaths and routes 

adjacent to footpaths. Many of the 

traffic-free sections of the National 

Cycle Network use shared use paths. 

2 

For example when using the cycle lane 

along the left hand side of B5062 Edgmond 

Road approaching Chaney Hill from Newport 

to Harper Adams University College. 

Cycle Safely 11

Longwithy Lane 

Adeney Road 

High Street 

Hillside School Rd 

Stackyard Lane 

Edgmond 

Flatt Rd 

B5062 Shrewsbury Road 

Cycle trail to Newport 

Harper Adams 

University College 

Shropshire 

The trail 

starts 

here 

The 

Lamb Inn 

High Street 

Robin Lane 

Chetwynd Road 

Longford Road 

Newport Road 

B5062 Shrewsbury Road 

Longford Road 

Newport 

Salters Lane 

Lower Bar 

St. Nicholas 

Church 

Water Lane 

Chetwynd End 

David Turner 

Cars 

Shell 

Forton Road 

For further information 

See www.harper-adams.ac.uk/student_services 

Contact 01952 815396 (Student Services) 

Useful reference 

www.thecycleshop.co.uk – Dave Mellor Cycles, Shrewsbury 

www.direct.gov.uk – Highway Code 

www.sustrans.org.uk – Sustrans

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