*** UPDATE – As of Jan 2023 the Jammie Bike / BikeLink rental scheme is not available at UCT. Please contact UCT’s Green Campus Initiative to enquire about current status.***
Need to get to classes between Michaelis Art School and University of Cape Town’s Upper campus? Why not go by bike – save some money and skip the parking hassles and traffic jams. Commuting by bike to the UCT has never been easier. UCT has recently installed new cycle infrastructure and started a dedicated bicycle rental scheme – Jammie Bike (now BikeLink). 
AFFORDABLE BICYCLE RENTAL – JAMMIE BIKE
UCT’s Properties and Services Department in conjunction with the Green Campus Initiative launched Jammie Bike – a bicycle rental scheme aimed to encourage those who do not have access to bicycles to rent them for travel to campus. Currently there are 200, 21-speed mountain bicycles available for rent annually at R1800 each (of which R800 is refundable). Find out more about renting a Jammie Bike.
BETTER INFRASTRUCTURE AND CYCLE LANES + MAPS
The UCT Properties and Services Department has been developing cycling infrastructure on Main Campus, including road markings, signage and bike parking. New cycle routes were chosen after intensive investigation of potential routes by specialist consultants, and with the participation of student and staff cyclists. The City of Cape Town was also consulted to ensure integration of the UCT routes with the City’s proposed non-motorised transport (NMT) plans (see proposed Class 3 route shown in red on the map), and the UCT cycle network was approved by the City officials. The chosen routes (shown in green) provide access to lower, middle and upper campus and lead the cyclist on paths that are considered safest, with easier gradients and through pleasant environments. For the latest cycle route maps and description visit UCT website.
SECURE PARKING FOR BICYCLES
Bike parking racks will be installed in groups around the campus, especially at transport hubs, where bikes can be securely locked. These racks have been carefully selected for security and robustness, with aesthetic appearance a further consideration. Where the cyclist has less confidence or cannot manage the gradient, the bike can be left for the day at a secure bike parking station and the student can catch the Jammie to campus.
RECOMMENDED COMMUTER ROUTE
You can now commute from the city centre or Observatory to UCT’s Upper Campus using a mixture of cycle lanes and recommended routes along shared roadways that connect into UCT’s new cycle network. This 12km commuter route uses some savvy shortcuts to bypass busy intersections and roads. Please note that no cycling is allowed on Government Ave. section. Please dismount and push through this area of the Company Gardens. You can download the route here.
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Meet Mariska, the maker behind the cool, new bike-bag brand, Pieta Designs.
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Win two tickets to this year’s Bicycle Film Festival – Cape Town!
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Win an Enjoy ProXision kit (bib shorts and jersey) in our latest Gear Giveaway. Find out how to enter here…
