In Oxford

Cycling

Bikes parked in Broad Street.Bicycles are easily the fastest way to get around in Oxford. Nearly everyone who lives within a two-mile radius of the centre uses a bike: tutors and professors included. Aside from convenience, cycling is also good for the environment (and not to mention your fitness).

To find out more about shops that sell new and second-hand bikes, have a look at the Shopping section of this Handbook. Once you've got your bike, you'll need your bike kit as well. They should be available at all bicycle shops and sometimes come in a package with your bicycle.

Bike kit

Essentials include a lock, helmet and white lights—both at the front and at the back. Lights on a bike are mandatory after dark or you may find yourself paying a £30 fixed penalty fine on the spot. Be aware that during the autumn and winter seasons, it gets darks very early, so you should definitely invest in lights. A bike stand, basket or saddle bag, fluorescent strips or vest and mud guards are optional accessories that you may want to get, depending on your budget. It's very important to always follow the road rules, wear your helpment and have the necessary lights/reflectors in order to avoid accidents and serious injuries.

Bike maintenance

Regular maintenance is important to keep your bike in working order and to ensure you aren't a menace to yourself —and other road users— when you're cycling.

All shops provide repair services and sell spare parts. Smaller shops tend to provide more personalised service and same-day repairs, while larger ones like Cycle King usually have you leave your bike for up to 3 days (although this obviously depends largely on the nature of the repairs required).

Bike Doctor is a mobile service provided by the Oxford Cycle Workshop that offers while-you-wait repairs, basic spare parts and a free bike health check! You can find the Bike Doctor in Le Gros Clarke Place in the University Science Area every Wednesday between the hours of 10am and 4pm, and on Oxford Brookes University's Gypsy Lane Campus every Tuesday. The Workshop's office is located at 39 Magdalen Road and you can call there on 01865 204799.

A little bit of effort on your part, however, can help you avoid all of the above.

• Try not to leave your bicycle out in the rain.
• Oil your chains and gears regularly—or they'll rust over!
• Tighten your bolts regularly, as they have a tendency to come loose with frequent use.
• Keep on pedalling when changing gears, otherwise you'll damage them.

Bike safety and security

This incredibly popular haunt sits near an incredibly dangerous crossing for cyclists and pedestrians alike.Bicycles are such an important part of travel in Oxford that it is no surprise that they're often the target of thieves and kleptomaniacs. Always lock your bike properly with a purpose-made cycle lock; a padlock and a chain are not enough. Combination locks are easily cracked; D-locks on the other hand offer greatest theft-protection. Lock your bike through the frame to an immovable object, or should that prove to be impossible under certain circumstances, lock the main frame to the front wheel. You will be surprised at how desperate thieves in Oxford can be.

Where at all possible, don't leave your bike outside overnight. Do not leave your lights on your bike if you are going to park it outside—they will almost certainly be nicked.

Many colleges require students to register their bikes at the Lodge, where they will present you with a sticker or another form of identification (with the college name and identification number at the very least) to affix onto your bike. Even if not mandatory, you are strongly encouraged to register your bicycle, because you may then qualify for your college's insurance scheme, if any, and also because others will be able to identify it, if necessary (e.g., when stolen). There may be a small administrative fee for registration, usually £1. You should consult your Lodge for specific procedures in place for your college. Some bicycle shops also offer inscribing services (on your frame) for a small fee; most choose to inscribe their postal codes.

Many roads in Oxford, especially in the City Centre, have designated lanes for cyclists. While this is meant to enhance your safety on the roads, you should never take them for granted. You should be very careful about following the Highway Code when cycling, for cyclists are not above the law. Make sure that you remain visible at all times to other road users. The Thames Valley Police have on various occasions conducted sting operations and imposed immediate fines on cyclists who break seemingly trivial laws like beating the red light even when there is no oncoming vehicle or pedestrians. Fines tend to be valued at £30. Oxford University's Estates Directorate employs Sustainable Travel Officers who will be able to advise you further and equip you with the necessary resources on request.

You should also note that Cornmarket Street and Queen's Street are closed to all cyclists from 10 am to 6 pm every day. You must dismount if you wish to use these roads during the specified times. Again, cyclists have been fined for failure to comply with this rule.

If you are involved in an accident, make sure that you get professional help either at the John Radcliffe Hospital or from your College nurse or doctor. To report a bike stolen, contact the local police station by calling 08458 505505, and also, if your bike is registered, the University Security Services by calling 01865 272944.

Using public transport

From left to right: A coach form London, a bus from the Oxford Bus Company, a cab, and a bus from the Stagecoach Company.If you are not a fan of cycling or live a little bit out of the centre in places like Cowley, Iffley, Botley or Summertown, you might want to make use of Oxford's public transport. This is provided by two companies that run bus services in the city: the Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach. Visit their websites for routes, timetables and fares.

A monthly travel pass from either of these companies costs around £32. A typical one-way trip from the City Centre to Cowley costs just over £1.

Driving

If you have a driving licence from your home country and would like to drive in the UK, you may want to check the following website of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to make sure that your license is convertible. You should also make sure that you meet any other requirements, such as having valid insurance, and that you are aware of the British system of road rules.

Driving in Oxford is slightly peculiar, not so much for the driving itself, but rather for parking. If you want to bring your car to Oxford or buy a new one once you arrive, make sure that you will have somewhere to park it. Parking is in high demand but short in supply around Oxford, and therefore, tends to be paid and expensive. Moreover, you can't rely on your college to let you park your car on site. They simply might not have these facilities. Take note also that some roads, most notably Cornmarket Street and Queen's Street, are pedestrian-only roads and you should therefore plan your journey carefully before making a trip.

Taking taxis

Black cabs (i.e., Hackney Cabs) are the only taxis that you can flag down on the street. If you want any other kind of taxi, you will need to call the company and request a pick up. Calling for a taxi is often cheaper than hailing a black cab on the street, and can be particularly useful, if you need to be picked up from a specific location. Some telephone numbers are:

• ABC Taxis
  Telephone: 01865 775577 and 01865 777077
• 001 Taxis
  Telephone: 01865 240000
• Radio Taxis
  Telephone: 01865 242424
• City
  Telephone: 01865 794000
• Royal Cars
  Telephone: 01865 777333

Using the OUSU Safety Bus

The OUSU Safety Bus (also known as the Night Bus) is a volunteer-run scheme, set up to provide a safe and affordable means of transport late at night. To use the Safety Bus, call 07800 655 825 or 07714 445 050 between 9pm and 3am Monday to Saturday and between 9pm to 1am on Sunday; the bus will pick you up from, and deliver you to, any destination within the ring road for a £1 donation. The telephone numbers given above are correct at the time of printing, but we would still advise you to confirm them on the OUSU website before making any plans to use this service.