CycUL allows UL students to hire a bike for just €30 per semester
CycUL is a scheme to encourage more students to use sustainable and active travel when travelling to and from campus.
Under the CycUL initiative, a fleet of 78 bikes are available to hire for €30 per semester. Two styles of bike are available: Bimas Transporter Dutch-style bikes, which offer greater utility with more storage space, and a Raleigh Pioneer, which is a traditional commuter-style bike.
A deposit of €50 is required from anyone wishing to hire a bike, which will be refunded once the bike is returned at the end of the semester. A set of lights and a lock will also be provided with each bike.
To support cycling on campus, UL runs free maintenance classes for students each semester, and a bike mechanic operates on Tuesdays in the Student Life Courtyard as part of the weekly Farmers’ Market.
In addition to increasing active transport options available on campus, the CycUL scheme is part of the University’s climate action commitments. Launched in May 2023, the Climate Action Roadmap 2030 sets out ambitious actions and projects as UL works toward achieving carbon neutrality.
University of Limerick’s two campuses are connected by a 4.5km riverside cycleway that starts at Lock Quay Bridge in the city and ends at the UL Boat House, while extensions to the existing greenway will mean that students will in future be able to cycle as far as Killaloe on dedicated cycle paths.
Any students interested in using the service can contact cycUL@ul.ie to register their interest.
The CycUL scheme - your questions answered
CycUL is a student bike rental scheme, a Healthy UL iniative which aims to encourage more students to use sustainable, active travel when travelling to and from campus, which is affordable.
Bimas Transporter Dutch-style bikes, which offer greater utility with more storage space, and a Raleigh Pioneer, which is a traditional commuter-style bike.
NOTE: The Bimas Transporter bike is heavier than the Raleigh Pioneer.
The total cost is €80. €30 per semester and a deposit of €50 is required from anyone wishing to hire the bikes, which will be refunded once the bike is returned in good condition at the end of the semester
Bikes are available on a semester basis, and you can express interest at the start of the semester at cycUL@UL.ie.
The hirer will be sent the T&Cs to review. If you agree, please indicate so by signing and returning by email. It is worth noting that the student is entirely responsible for the bike and it’s maintenance throughout the rental period.
A set of lights, a hi-vis and a lock will be provided with each bike.
The service is first come, first served to the first 80 applicants. Once T&Cs have been signed and returned, and there is a bike available, you will be allotted a day and time slot to receive the bike.
If your allotted time slot is not convenient please email CycUL@ul.ie. Please be aware ‘no shows’ will be put at the bottom of the waiting list.
Bikes are returned at the end of the semester. The CycUL Team will advise the hirer of relevant dates/times by email.
This is possible once bikes are returned to the CycUL team for regular servicing. Please discuss this at the time of rental with the CycUL team.
We strongly encourage and stress the importance safety wise of wearing a helmet at all times while cycling.
You will be supplied with a l D lock with a key mechanism on renting a bike. If you have the Bimas Transporter bike, you'll have a cafe lock that sits on the bike's frame as well. Please always use the D lock as it is more secure.
As per the T&CS, the student is responsible for the maintenance of the bike during the rental period. For normal wear and tear such as flat tyres and punctures, etc, please avail of the on-campus bike repair stations, the Bike Mechanic at the Farmer’s Market every Tuesday, or other convenient bike repair shops outside these hours. Each Semester there are free maintenance classes for students. Please email SmarterTravel@ul.ie to book a slot.
Please be aware that the hirer is liable for any damages or loss/theft incurred during the rental period . The hirer has to notify the CycUL immediately in the event of any loss or damage to the equipment. In the event of a bike being stolen, please notify the gardai as well as the CycUL team by email.
Please bear in mind that the email account is attended to during normal working hours, Monday to Friday. To prevent theft, please review the advice available here on securing/storing your bike: Cycling | University of Limerick (ul.ie), as well as parking your bike in secure areas, well lit and preferably with CCTV in public areas.
On campus we recommend using the central Bike Hub, which has swipe access for staff and students. You can register for access here Cycling | University of Limerick (ul.ie). Finally, please use the D lock provided with your bike at all times, store your bike safely and securely at all times at your accommodation.
No, as these are not secure enough locks on their own. Please use the D lock provided with your bike at all times.
There is a button on both the front light and back light. They are not automatic. Please remember to turn off.
When receiving the bike, we will assist you in selecting the right size and make any adjustments required, as well as ensuring you can cycle it comfortably. Should you be unhappy with the bike in the first two weeks, and wish to return it, we will give you a refund. Should any mechanical issues arise with the bike aside from normal maintenance, please do not hesitate to contact the CycUL team and stop using the bike immediately.
Bike hub facility:
The Bike Hub is in the Foundation Building car park.
It has swipe access for staff and students. You can register for access here Cycling | University of Limerick (ul.ie). You will then receive an email requesting you to register your details and your name will be added to the list of registered users. You will be notified of registration and given instructions on use. Your ID card will then allow you to access the Bike
Other Bike shelters on campus:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/embed?mid=1F1grYRoudygmiglpi4ubWeX9aB05dpY&ehbc=2E312F&ll=52.67467117991042%2C-8.573943807430997&z=15
Accommodation Bike shelters:
- Cappavilla Village - On Campus
It has two secure 24-hour access bike shelters which can only be accessed by residents of Cappavilla Village using their own apartment swipe card. Both of these shelters are located on the ground floor on either side of the village. Please note that you are strongly advised to lock your bicycle to the racks provided within the shelters. For further information on these shelters, please contact the village reception.
- Dromroe Village - On Campus
There is a secure 24-hour access bike shelter which can only be accessed by residents of Dromroe Village using an apartment swipe card. The shelter is located in the centre of the village at ground floor level. Please note that you are strongly advised to lock your bicycle to the racks provided within the shelters. For further information on these shelters, please contact the village reception.
- Kilmurry Village - On Campus
It has numerous secure 24-hour access bike shelters which can only be accessed by residents of Kilmurry Village using a fob. These shelters are located at various ground floor undercrofts across the village. Please note that you are strongly advised to lock your bicycle to the racks provided within the shelters. For further information on these shelters, please contact the village reception.
- Plassey Village - On Campus
It has numerous secure 24-hour access bike shelters. which can only be accessed by residents of Plassey Village using a key fob. These shelters are located at various points on ground floor level across the village.
- Quigley Residences - On Campus
Each block of the Quigley Residences has secure 24-hour access bike shelters. These shelters are located at ground floor level upon access into each block. Only residents of Quigley have access to these facilities.
- Thomond Village - On Campus
It has numerous secure 24-hour access bike shelters which can only be accessed by residents of Thomond Village using an own apartment swipe card. These shelters are located in hubs just outside each apartment block entrance.
There are a number of cycle routes around the university.
Please email cycUL as there is a spare key for each lock. The student can take the original and obtain a copy, but must return the original to the CycUL team asap.
Yes, if available. If the Bimas isn't suitable you can exchange it for a Raleigh pioneer if it's available and vice versa.
Should you have any issues with your bike during the rental period that are not related to normal maintenance, or any concerns about your bike, please do not hesitate to email cycul@ul.ie. Please do be aware this email account is accessed during normal working hours, and supports are not available outside this time.
Cycle Safety:
Please abide by the rules of the road at all times as well as rules that are campus based as outlined below. Please also review the safety information provided by the RSA cycle-safety.pdf (rsa.ie), and the University of Limerick Cycling | University of Limerick (ul.ie).
Should you have any issues with your bike during the rental period that are not related to normal maintenance, or any concerns about your bike, please do not hesitate to email cycul@ul.ie. Please do be aware this email account is accessed during normal working hours, and supports are not available outside this time.
General Safety
• While the law does not require cyclists to wear a helmet, in the interest of road safety and your personal protection, the user is advised to wear one while cycling.
• Wear high visibility clothing.
• Keep your bicycle lights in good working order.
• Signal in plenty of time to allow others to react to your movements.
• Don't ever ride or attempt to ride a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep the rented bike in perfect working order and condition.
• Report any incidents as they occur.
Carrying Children
• If applicable, if you carry children on bicycle trailers or child seats, make sure that it is fit for purpose and securely fitted by a competent person.
• Make sure your child is wearing a suitable cycle helmet and check that the seat’s restraining straps are in good condition.
• Be aware of the risk of your child’s feet getting caught in the wheel spokes.
• The seat should have secure foot straps.
• Ensure clothing like scarfs and shoelaces cannot get caught in the wheels.
Road Safety
• As a cyclist you are a road user. That means obeying all Rules of the Road and road laws.
• If you do not obey the rules, you can be charged with cycling offences included in the fixed charge system.
• Cyclist driving a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration (€40).
• No front lamp or rear lamp lit during lighting-up hours on a pedal cycle (€40).
• Cyclist proceeding into a pedestrianised street or area (€40).
• Cyclist proceeding past traffic lights when the red lamp is illuminated (€40).
• Cyclist failing to stop for a school warden sign (€40).
• Cyclist proceeding beyond a stop line, barrier or half-barrier at a railway level crossing, swing bridge or lifting bridge, when the red lamps are flashing. (€40).
On Campus Safety
• Cyclists should use any cycle track provided, wherever possible.
• Cyclists are not permitted to cycle on the living bridge.
• Cyclists are not permitted to cycle on the plaza.
• Cyclists must dismount at pedestrian crossings.