The University of Birmingham has today (06/11) launched an ambitious crowdfunding campaign to bring cycle hire scheme onto campus.
As part of a national competition, the University has been shortlisted along with four others from 69 to compete for the scheme which will transform the way students and staff travel across campus and between buildings.
The University needs to raise at least £47,000 through crowdfunding in order to win an investment of £100,000 from Santander to get the scheme up and running. This would establish eight bike stations at locations across campus and 50 bikes from the outset.
Birmingham-based TOA Taxis have already put their hand in their pocket and have today committed £15,000 towards the total.
University Sustainable Travel Co-ordinator Peter Edwards said: “This is a really exciting project for us and we are totally committed to surpassing our target. A cycle hire scheme like this could really transform how people get around our fantastic campus – improving health and wellbeing and reducing emissions in the process. I can’t wait to get the campaign up and running. Thanks so much to TOA for kicking us off with such a brilliant sum. We’re off to a flying start.”
Manawar Hussian, TOA Chairman, said: “We’re proud to work with the University of Birmingham on this flagship scheme, and look forward to seeing who else joins us as high profile supporters of the campaign.”
You can access the crowdfunding campaign online and make a contribution. A contribution as little as £5 can get you a reward to mark your involvement with the programme.
The campaign started at midday, and completes on 8th December 2017.
Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander Universities UK said: “Santander is committed to supporting both higher education and local communities across the UK, and we believe that a cycle scheme, such as this one, could bring significant local benefits to the winning institutions.”
You can follow the campaign on social media using the hashtag #bikesforbrum.
