close up of bike chain on campus

Keeping your bike safe on campus this Summer

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Last updated on 17 May 2024

As the weather finally changes for the better, you might be thinking of ditching the car, getting into the fresh air and cycling onto campus this summer.

A bike is a great way to get around the University, however it’s worth remembering that warmer weather tends to lead to an increase in bike thefts across the country and, in Leeds, it’s no different.

Before you bring your bike onto campus, make sure you’ve followed these simple steps from Security Services to keep your property safe.

Buy D-locks and lock your bike properly

If you have a bike already, you likely have a bike lock. Sadly, not all locks are made equal, and it only takes seconds to cut through some – especially wire, chain or poor-quality versions.

Discounted D-locks and lights are sold at the Bike Hub and the Security office. You can find the Security office at 175 Woodhouse Lane, about two minutes’ walk from Laidlaw Library. The Bike Hub is located on the lower level between the EC Stoner and Roger Stevens buildings.

Make sure you lock through the frame of the bike and quick release wheels, and always lock your bike to something solid and secure, ideally a bike rack, and never just around the bike itself. Ideally, use more than one D-lock or another type of lock – this really does help to slow down thieves and give staff from Security Services more time to intercept them

Make sure you try to lock your bike in a busy, well-lit area so anyone trying to interfere with it will be spotted. Our campus has plenty of bike racks – there’s one in front of every building. Here’s a handy map of where bike racks are located around campus.

We generally recommend buying a sold secure tested lock, and if your bike is more expensive, it’s generally a good idea to buy a higher quality of lock.

Register your bike on BikeRegister

To give yourself peace of mind, make sure you register your bike on the BikeRegister national database.

Once you’ve registered, Security Services will mark it with a National Cycle Database kit free of charge, so that it can be easily identified if lost or stolen.

BikeRegister drop-ins take place at the Security office, on Monday to Friday, from 10am to 2pm, where the Security team can help you to register and mark your bike.

You can also book an appointment in advance.

Other tips to follow

• Make sure you’ve got your bike insured, either as specific cycle insurance or as a listed item under home/contents insurance.
• Write your postcode and house number on the frame of your bike with an ultraviolet pen.
• Always try and lock your bike in a busy, well-lit area so anyone trying to interfere with it will be spotted. Here’s a handy map of where bike racks are located around campus.
• Don’t leave removable items such as lights, saddle bags or panniers on your bike when you leave it.

What to do if you see something suspicious

If you notice anything suspicious on campus or University property including Halls of Residences, then contact Security Services or report it on the SafeZone app.

And if you witness a crime, or are unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, report it both to the police and the University’s Security Services.

Happy cycling this summer!

Find out more about Security Services.

Contact the Bike Hub for more information,

geothermal drilling site

Major milestone reached as geothermal work picks up pace

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Last updated on 9 May 2024

A collaborative project between Estates and the Sustainability Service is a step closer to discovering if geothermal energy underground campus can be used to heat buildings after reaching a major milestone.

The geothermal drilling stage of the project has now been completed at locations across campus and has provided experts with promising early results.

Testing of open and closed-loop boreholes has shown indications of excellent geothermal capacity and of possible optimal groundwater yield, which are both indicators of thepotential for geothermal energy underground.

If successful, the project could provide a clean, sustainable source of heat that reduces our reliance on both fossil fuels and electricity.

Drilling is continuing to take place on pilot wells on campus, which are helping to understand the ground model for geothermal drilling works.

Work will continue until the end of July, however the space required for operations will continue to be reduced over time.

Manhole chambers for closed-loop boreholes have now been installed at the Mechanical Engineering Building, Henry Price Residences and the Maurice Keyworth Building and returned to the University.

The project, which is part of the University’s Net Zero Delivery Plan, is bringing together experts from the Facilities Directorate and the academic community alongside specialists from ANTS Drilling and engineering firm Buro Happold.

David Oldroyd, Interim Director of Development at the University of Leeds, said: “This is an exciting collaborative project, with partners from both inside and outside of the University working closely together to make positive progress

“This work has the potential to save money, provide a more sustainable way of heating campus in line with the University’s Net Zero goals and set an example for future energy innovation.”

Find out more by visiting our project page and the Sustainability Services’s website.

Image credit: Ben Craven

Image of Fareeda Al Wakeel, Susan Preston, Bethan Corner and Vicky Zhuo holding their green plaques together

Green plaque scheme celebrates students making a difference to campus spaces

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Last updated on 9 May 2024

A new initiative that celebrates University of Leeds students who have made a difference to campus spaces and university life has been launched.

New green plaques have been unveiled at an event at the Postgraduate Research Lounge and will later be installed at the sites of four campus projects developed following student suggestions and feedback.

Each plaque details the contributions individual students have made towards getting each project off the ground, whether through activism, campaigning or by working with Leeds University Union.

The scheme has been developed by Leeds University Union and the Estates team to recognise the contributions students are making to the future development of campus.

Student-led projects being celebrated include the accessible lift in the Parkinson building, the Postgraduate Research Lounge, the Women in STEM Conference and the common lounge for commuter students.

Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation & Development said:

“Our campus is only relevant because of all the amazing things our students and staff undertake here at Leeds. Celebrating the successes through the Green Plaques is so exciting as it makes both people and place relevant.

“As we reshape the campus through Campus re-imagined we want to keep learning from all our University communities to make sure we are achieving our aim of creating amazing spaces on campus that are sustainable, inclusive, and innovative.”

Among the students being recognised is Fareeda Al Wakeel, who studies Medical Engineering at the University. Fareeda initiated the Women in STEM Conference, which celebrates women working in STEM related disciplines.

fareeda posing with her lecturer for a picture

She said:

“This plaque is a symbol of me being heard and appreciated. This started off as a really small idea. I wondered to myself, ‘why aren’t there more female lecturers on my course teaching me any engineering related module’?

“That created a very nice case for me to go ahead and do something about it. Receiving something like this pushes me to do even better.”

The plaques will be installed later this year.

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