Sustainability [for students & staff]

Clip-on bike computer

The small on-board computer / control panel has to be attached at the handle bars. For the battery to operate you need to switch it on using the Power button.

There are 4 levels of assistance on the control panel, from ‘Eco’, ‘Touring’, ‘Sport’ to ‘Turbo’.

The control panel shows how much battery power is left (depending on chosen assistance level).

It also shows – distance covered per trip, total distance covered by bicycle, and enables you to operate the lights.

Lights and Motor

You use the on-board computer to turn on the built-in lights. There is a button for this next to the Power button. By law you must always switch the lights on in the hours of darkness or in poor light conditions. Always check that the lights are working before you set off.

Built into the crank at the base of the bicycle, the motor is to be left alone and does not need your attention. The faster you pedal, the more assistance you get in relation to the assistance setting you have chosen.

The motor powers the bicycle up to 25 km/h. If you are going faster than that, the motor does not further assist. The bicycle is then running like a normal pedal bike.

Gears

The e-bike has gears, just like a normal pedal cycle. You should adjust these according to the terrain. Always set off in low gear from stationary, then go through the gears as your speed increases. Select an easy gear under normal pedalling.

Cycling safely

• You have to wear a correctly fitted cycle helmet, which is securely fastened and conforms to current regulations. A helmet is provided with each e-bike if you do not have your own.
• Wearing light coloured or reflective clothing during the day and reflective clothing and/or accessories in the dark increases your visibility. A high visibility waistcoat is provided with each bike use.
• Always use the built-in lights after dark or when visibility is poor.
• Ride positively, decisively and well clear of the kerb. Look and signal to show drivers what you plan to do and make eye contact when possible, so you know drivers have seen you.
• Avoid riding up the inside of large vehicles, like lorries or buses. These vehicles have very large blind spots – areas of the road that they cannot see, which could include you. Give such vehicles plenty of space or wait behind them.
• Familiarise yourself with and follow the Highway Code Rules for Cyclists.
• There is some advice on safe cycling on the Think! Campaign webpage.

Weather conditions

• Only use the e-bike when it’s safe to do so i.e. not in extreme conditions such as icy roads, high winds or heavy rain.
• Cycle according to weather conditions or cancel your journey.

Routes

• We recommend using dedicated cycle lane routes wherever possible.
• Quieter roads are often safer and more pleasant to ride on.
• Use Glasgow Cycle Streets or Open Cycle Maps to find a suitable route
• For travel between Gilmorehill Campus, Garscube Campus, the QEUH and Berkeley Square/Tay House, please use these recommended routes.
• For intercampus travel, the Kelvin Walkway offers a motor-traffic free route from Gilmorehill to Garscube for nearly the full length of the journey, with direct access to Garscube Campus.

Securing the e-bike

• Once at your destination you must lock the e-bike to an immovable object (ideally a cycle stand), using the D-lock.
• The D-lock must always be attached to the frame of the bike and the immovable object.
• Aim to use a secure cycle store where available.
• Avoid lifting the e-bike to prevent injury; wheel wherever possible.
• If the temperature outside is expected to drop below 0°C you must take the battery with you and store it inside.
• There are bicycle parking facilities on both main campuses.