Improve facilities for commuters, cycle commuters and other bike users at the University of Bradford

What do you want changed?

• More of the secure bike cages where locks can be left with confidence even when not in use (ideally closer to
• Commuter 'hub' - dedicated space for commuters and cycle users for use before, between and after lectures
• Access to basic appliances to make a cup of tea or store lunch so that commuting students are not forced to rely on buying expensive food and drinks (fridge, kettle & microwave area for example)
• More options for secure bike storage close to commuter 'hub'
• Secure lockers for commuting students big enough for laptops/study materials, helmets, changes of clothes, toiletries, towels
• Safe secure shower facilities
• Safe changing spaces to including hairdryers, mirrors etc
• Drying facilities for wet commuting clothes etc
• Dedicated point of contact to support the commuter community going forward
• Clear sign posting online to make students aware of the facilities, clear instructions on how to access facilities & support
• Road safety awareness for all students including advice and support to make the roads a safer space for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike

Why do you want it changed?

• To support commuting students who often have to spend a lot of time on campus before, between and after lectures with nowhere to safely leave belongings even to go and get a coffee. A commuting hub as described in point 2 would allow and encourage commuting students to remain on campus longer to engage with peers and take part in more on-campus activities as well as making commuting a more comfortable and convenient choice for students. Commuting students spend a considerable amount of their day on the commute and the additional stress of working around traffic, train/bus schedules etc can impact studies. Having comfortable options for staying on campus longer can mean avoiding rush hour, avoiding adverse weather conditions etc and allow them to work commutes around study time better. As mentioned above, a commuting hub would help off-campus students to engage in sports clubs and societies - this improves social connections, mental health and access to sports and outdoors (shower facilities and lockers etc especially needed for these).
• From a sustainability perspective, this also encourages commuting students to consider alternatives to driving such as cycle commuting. Having the option to cycle commute could:
• Save students money on travel
• Give students more freedom/independence with their travel
• Increase exercise/fitness and outdoor activities which in term improves mental health
• Reduces car uses which in term reduces carbon emissions and helps the planet
• Reduces time spent commuting by streamlining the logistics of cycle commuting
• Improve concentration and reduce stress
• Improve confidence, connectedness and control

How would you change it?

STEP 1 would be to establish what the best case long term scenario could look like and work out from there what the realistic short/medium term goals should be. To do this I would:

• Identify and engage supporters and key stakeholders from around the University including Students Union, Facilities, Societies with similar interests who could mutually benefit, Unique fitness etc
• Agree ways of working with stakeholders and set expectations around workload, touch points, risks, measures of success etc
• Research potential costs and funding/fundraising opportunities
• Carry out a SWOT analysis
• Design a robust communications plan to overcome potential objections and build momentum with supporters
• Refine short/medium term goals and gaps in stakeholders needed for delivery

STEP 2 would be to set up a project team to design a detailed milestone plan for delivery of short term goals.

STEP 3 would a review period to re-assess gaps/needs and refine medium/long term goals accordingly.

As an example, if the long term goal is a purpose built state of the art commuter hub, the short term goals could include:

1. Re-purposing of existing facilities/equipment to provide more secure/user friendly/accessible options
2. Set up an online support community (similar to UNIBBUG) with better, more accessible information for commuters and cycle users
3. Set up regular feedback loops to better understand the wants and needs of existing and perspective commuting students