If you’d like to travel by bike, we’re here to help!

Cycling is a great way to get around the city and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to travel to campus by bike. On this page you'll find everything you need to know about the facilities and guidance we can provide to cyclists. If you'd like more information on travel maps, bike locks, bike storage or facilities, contact environment@napier.ac.uk.
 
 

Getting here

Storage facilities on campus

We have a range of open bike stands and secure locked facilities across all three of our campuses. We have two emergency locks available on each campus if you forget to bring yours - please ask at security. Changing and shower facilities are also available.

Craiglockhart

There are 81 bicycle spaces at Craiglockhart, 42 covered and 39 uncovered. Craiglockhart currently has no secure locked facilities but there is CCTV throughout the site.

The bike store is under the main staircase into the building. There is one covered shelter and some Sheffield stands located under the stairs.

Merchiston

There are 100 bicycle spaces at Merchiston, 48 within covered and secure areas and 52 uncovered. There is CCTV throughout the site.

Merchiston has two covered bike parking facilities. From the main entrance from Colinton Road you will find one opposite the library entrance on the left and the other at the far end on the other side of the glass box. To gain access, visit security to have your student card activated. At the bike store, tap your card on the card reader to open the door.

Sighthill

There are 150 bicycle spaces at Sighthill, 100 within covered and secure areas and 50 uncovered. There is CCTV throughout the site.

Sighthill has three secure, locked shelters around the building. One under the main entrance, one at the top of the car park and one at the ENGAGE gym entrance. To gain access, visit security on the first floor to have your student card activated. At the bike store, tap your card on the reader to open the door. There is also a bicycle pump and a bike service point in the shelter next to ENGAGE.

Showers and changing facilities

Showers and changing facilities are available at all three campuses.

At Sighthill campus, the facilities are located in ENGAGE Fitness. At Merchiston and Craiglockhart, please speak to a member of staff at the Reception or security for access.

Emergency locks and bike security advice

Emergency Locks

We have two emergency locks available on each campus if you forget to bring yours - please ask at security. You can also borrow a lock from Student Accommodation.

Tips on using your bike lock

Here are some top tips on how best to use your lock. For a full guide we recommend visiting thebestbikelock.com

  • Lock your bike with two D-locks locks if you can - one around the back wheel, the frame and the bike rack, and the other around the front wheel, the bike rack and, if you can, the frame as well
  • If you don't have two D-locks then you can lock your bike with one D-lock and attach a cable that you loop through the front wheel
  • Keep your lock off the ground
  • Make the lock difficult to access
  • Fill as much of the space within the D-lock with the bike and the thing it's attached to
  • Avoid leaving your bike in shared hallways

Locking your bike at university

Edinburgh Napier has secure cycle storage where you can leave your bike if you're commuting to campus or staying at student accommodation. You should still follow our top tips wherever you leave your bike.

Register your bike

Protect your bike from theft by joining the police-approved bicycle marking and registration scheme bikeregister.com. Keep an eye out for free bike marking sessions on campus and at student accommodation.

Planning your route

Edinburgh is home to an expanding network of cycle paths, making travelling by bike a great option for getting to campus. We have created a series of YouTube playlists showing cycle routes to and from our campuses and accommodation sites.

There are many different route options for travelling between our sites. What we've shown in our films are the routes that, as far as possible, use off road cycling, walking and wheeling. Visit www.cyclestreets.net for more options including on-road routes.

Travel maps and route advice are also available by contacting environment@napier.ac.uk

Bikes on buses

You can take folding bicycles, folded and fully enclosed in a suitable carrying bag on Lothian Buses.

Some X62 Borders Buses can now take up to four bikes on board. You can track the bike-friendly buses on the Borders Buses app.

Bikes on trams

Up to two bicycles may be carried on the trams at the discretion of the on-board staff. Restrictions apply on peak services (Monday to Friday 7.30am-9.30am and 4pm-6.30pm), throughout the Edinburgh International Festival in August and during any pre-publicised events.

Cyclists should board at the centre section, marked on the platform by a disability logo tile. Once on board, cyclists must take guidance from staff and remain with their bicycles at all times. There are no extra charges for bikes.

Bikes on trains

You can take your bike for free on a train, but for some train journeys you may have to book a space. Scotrail provide cycle parks so you can leave your bike at the station. More information on reserving a bike space and facilities is available on the Scotrail website.

Safe cycling on the canal

The canal is a great way to travel off-road to both Sighthill and Craiglockhart. The exit for Sighthill Campus is signposted and for Craiglockhart the nearest exit is Allan Park Footbridge.

  • Give way to walkers and alert them by ringing your bell. The path is often only 1m wide, and can be wet and uneven.
  • Dismount at all road crossings, bridges, aqueducts and blind bends and at canal weirs, including cobbled weirs.
  • Use lights where appropriate. Do not speed - speed causes accidents!

Cycling in winter weather

We run Be Bright, Be Seen events during the winter months, providing advice and guidance on cycling in winter weather. We also have freebies on hand to give away, including bike lights, bells and seat covers, reflector bands, reflective rucksack covers and more!
 
 

Edinburgh Napier Cycle Routes

View our complete series of YouTube playlists for routes to and from our campuses and accommodation sites.

Edinburgh Napier Cycle Routes
02:10

Cycling to Edinburgh Napier. Route: Bainfield to Merchiston Campus. Journey time: 5-10 minutes.

Footage has been sped up for time purposes. Please ensure you cycle with care and attention to other users of paths, passing slowly and with adequate space.

[360 camera view of Bainfield student accommodation, followed by a cycling route through Edinburgh to Merchiston campus captured via GoPro]

  • Turn right on Gibson Terrace.
  • Turn left on Dundee Street.
  • Turn left on Yeaman Place.
  • Turn left at the roundabout.
  • Turn right onto Merchiston Avenue.
  • Turn right onto Blantyre Terrace.
  • Turn left into Merchiston campus.

Thank you for cycling to Merchiston campus! Visit my.napier.ac.uk/cycling for more information about cycling support.

 
 
Box with a selection of cycling resources, including bike pumps and reflector bands

'The Bike Stuff' - Cycling resources for you on campus

At each of our security offices on campus, you'll find 'The Bike Stuff' - a box filled with a range of useful accessories and equipment to aide your cycling adventures. These items are provided to you for free thanks to our friends at Sustrans, and include:

  • Puncture repair kits
  • D-locks and cables
  • Bike multi-tools
  • Tyre Levers
  • Bike Lights
  • Snap Bands
  • Reflective Bag Covers
  • Saddle Covers
  • Bells

Please help us to be able to support as many people as possible by only taking what you need. If you take the last item of something, or if you have any further questions, please contact environment@napier.ac.uk

 
 
Dr Bike repair session in Merchiston courtyard

Bike repair and security marking

Look out for Edinburgh Napier Dr Bike events at our campuses and student accommodation sites. You'll be able to get a safety and maintenance check and small repairs for free! We also run free security marking sessions with Police Scotland.

The Bike Station offers maintenance courses and runs Dr Bike events in the Meadows. You can also hire a fully-equipped work stand for just £6 per hour, giving you a work stand and work space, and access to all the specialist tools you need.

 
 

Find a bike

E-bikes

We have four e-bikes at Edinburgh Napier for staff and student use. The ultimate goal is to encourage more active and sustainable and forms of travel to and from the University and around Edinburgh.

All users are provided with a one-to-one induction, covering all working elements of the bicycles. If you're relatively new to cycling or if it's a long time since you've been on a bike, we offer training in partnership with local community partners.

A gold standard D-lock and a lock cable are provided with each e-bike as standard. Users are also offered the use of a helmet, high visibility vest and either one or two panniers. You will be required to read and sign our user agreement once you've completed your induction.

Our eCycles can only be used by students currently studying at Edinburgh Napier. Contact eCycle@napier.ac.uk or call 0131 455 3747 for more information.

Bike shops in Edinburgh

There is a great choice of second-hand bike shops in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Napier has links to The Bike Station, which provides Dr Bike repair sessions through the year. They offer a 3-month warranty on bikes sold and the proceeds support their work promoting cycling.

Second hand bikes are also available from:

There are also lots of shops selling new bikes parts and accessories, such as:

Most cycle shops will also offer a bike repair service and provide you with safety advice.