Cycling, scooters and similar modes of transport - campus rules

The following rules are in place throughout the calendar year and will be enforced by Security, Travel Officers and appropriate members of the Estate Management Section.

This policy applies to students, staff and visitors to all University of Essex campuses who are hereby notified that all modes of transport on University property are parked at their owner’s risk.

The policy applies to all forms of bicycle, e-bicycle, scooter, skateboard and any other similar mode of transport. Please note that privately owned electric scooters (also known as e-scooters) or similar items such as e-skateboards, uni-wheels etc are not permitted anywhere on campus including all accommodation. E-scooters that are part of a University or council-mandated rental scheme are permitted, within the terms and conditions of the rental scheme. The approved route is via Elmstead Road or Clingoe Hill along Boundary Road cycle path and to the rear of the Innovation Centre. A designated parking place can be found immediately within North Towers Car Park

1. Cycles, scooters etc found to be in contravention of this policy may be impounded.
2. Cycling, scooting and skating etc is not permitted in or through the Squares (Colchester Campus). Parking within the Squares is prohibited.
3. Everyone must dismount before reaching the outer perimeter of the Squares and walk until re-accessing the designated cycle route or cycle park, this includes under podia.
4. Cycling, skating and scooting under podia is not permitted, riders must dismount where signage indicates.
5. Bicycles and scooters must be left only in cycle racks or other places designated for the purpose.
6. Any item which is left in such a way as to cause or lead to an obstruction on any emergency exit, escape route or access point may be removed by Security or Travel Officers, or any member of staff acting on their authority.
7. Under no circumstances may items be parked where they are liable to cause obstruction or danger, attached to fences / railings, at entrances to buildings, other street furniture or are otherwise defacing the University.
8. Bicycles, scooters, etc must not be taken inside buildings, this includes accommodation buildings.
9. Bicycles or scooters which are found in buildings or parked where they are liable to cause obstruction or danger may, without notice, be removed or impounded. Security chains and other devices will be cut if necessary with no reimbursement or replacement.
10. Bicycles shall only be ridden on roadways or designated cycle/shared paths.
11. Scooters shall only be ridden on designated cycle/shared paths.
12. Bicycles, scooters etc. left standing in the University for four weeks or more, if not claimed within two weeks of a disposal notice being affixed, shall be deemed to have been abandoned and may be disposed of by the University.
13. There will be no refund of any equipment damaged by the removal of the item.
14. Items left over the summer period without the advertised ‘tag’ will be removed and re-cycled. Communication will be issued periodically from May but it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure they are compliant.
15. The University does not guarantee to reunite owners with their items. However, an owner can contact the security team on 01206 872125 and provide details of the item to prove ownership.
16. Whilst every care will be taken not to damage the item, the University accepts no responsibility for any damage to the item either before, during or after removal (including during storage).
17. Please note that mobility wheelchairs are permitted in all areas of campus at all times, however mobility scooters intended for outdoor use must not be used within buildings. Mobility wheelchairs/scooters must not exceed walking speed (3-4mph), and when not in use must be parked considerately so as not to cause an obstruction to doorways, fire exits, escape routes or pedestrians.

These rules were last reviewed in July 2022.