Greener commuting can help push Reading towards net zero

Priority spaces for car sharers and subsidised public transport are among options being explored by the University to help colleagues choose low-carbon commuting options.

An updated Travel Plan is in development to encourage more sustainable travel to and from our campuses.

The sustainable travel principles underpinning the new Travel Plan are being shared to encourage green habits among colleagues ahead of additional options and incentives being introduced.

The principles outline ways lower-carbon alternatives to single occupancy vehicle travel to campuses will be encouraged, including:

• Improving pedestrian, cycle and bus services.
• Maintaining and expanding existing cycle schemes.
• Lobbying local authorities to improve bus services to campuses and routes for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Improving charging facilities and options for electric vehicles.
• Investigating subsidised public transport options.
• Designating priority parking spaces for car sharers.
• Reducing the need to travel between campuses for meetings by making digital options available where possible.

While commuting choices remain for individuals to make, the University has an overarching ambition to reduce single-occupant car journeys and is encouraging colleagues to make lower-carbon choices wherever they can to help reduce emissions from all University activities.

The University has committed to reducing its carbon emissions to net zero by 2030, with sustainability one of the core elements of its Strategic Plan.

Although many colleagues will have good reasons why they need to travel by car, colleagues who use lower-carbon modes of transport should not be financially disadvantaged. Ways to help make alternatives to driving to campus no more expensive than commuting by car will therefore be considered.

A free park and ride service from Mereoak to Whiteknights campus was recently introduced for staff, providing an alternative commuting option to lower emissions.

Case study

Lauren Lickiss, Programme Administrator in Student Support Services, swapped her car for a bike to cycle to work.

She said cycling her approximately 4-mile commute from Southcote to the Earley Gate side of Whiteknights campus had been increasingly motivated by an interest in sustainability and had also often saved her time when traffic was heavy.

This greener commuting choice has contributed to the University’s drive to reduce single-occupancy car journeys to campus, being supported by the new sustainable travel principles.

Lauren started cycling after taking part in free cycle skills sessions provided by the University for colleagues, which enable beginners to learn to cycle or more experienced riders increase their confidence in cycling on the roads.

For more information on the range of cycle skills sessions or bike-purchase schemes, visit the Sustainability cycling web page.