Travel plan
In 2020, the University set an ambitious new target to reduce single car commuting to campus by 50% by 2030. The sustainable commuting target continues to focus on promoting alternatives to the car. Walking, cycling and bus are the main options as set out in the University Travel Plan.
With investment into bus services, cycling facilities, car sharing support and new cycle/walking pathways from the village to campus, single car occupancy commuting has reduced significantly. You can see the latest progress in our annual environment reports.
We have now published our 2024 Travel Plan, built using data taken from travel surveys we conducted in April 2023 and 2024. We plan to update this on an annual basis.
UNO bus service at Cranfield
We subsidise the Cranfield Connect bus service which runs between Bedford and Milton Keynes via the campus and local villages. This service can be used by members of the public as well as staff, students and visitors.
Cycling at Cranfield
Cycle parking and storage
Cycle hoops and shelters are available throughout Cranfield campus. Bicycle lockers are also available near the sports hall which provide extra security.
All cyclists who are parking their bicycle on campus need to register with security.
Cycle paths and routes
We now have two cycle paths which connect both the north and south side of the campus to Cranfield Village. The north cycle path route bypasses Crawley Road, whilst the south cycle path connects the campus from near Martell House to the village. Using the routes, it is an approximately 10-15 minute cycle ride or a 20-30 minute walk from the campus to the village.
Download a map of Cranfield cycle routes
Did you know the campus links to National Cycle Route No.51? Sustrans hold a library of national cycle routes around the UK. Visit the Sustrans website for more information.
Bicycle sales and repairs
'Cycle Saviours' (based in Milton Keynes) will visit campus on a regular basis to carry out repair works and sales of bicycles. It is recommended you contact the charity before you visit. Keep an eye out on the intranet for announcements relating to these events.
You can also find out more on Facebook.
You will also find a bicycle repair stand in the CSA recycling centre for all basic repair needs (find this behind the CSA, opposite the Vincent building).
Car sharing
We have allocated car sharing spaces on campus located in central locations. Car share parking permits are available to staff and students who share a car journey onto campus.
Cranfield University Sustainable Travel Policy
The University is committed to taking action to achieve net zero by 2030 whilst undertaking research to reduce emissions across all its Themes. Our research and teaching on transport, including aviation, requires us to engage and support these sectors in achieving net zero.
This policy statement indicates our intent to introduce a culture of sustainable travel to help us achieve our net zero goal. It includes business travel, commuting and international student travel.
Sustainable Business Travel Plan
The University has set a target of reducing its scope 3 emissions from flights by 35% by 2035 against the 2018/19 travel baseline. To do this, we are actively encouraging the use of rail, bus, coach and other lower carbon methods of travel for work and study trips nationally and abroad. We also provide video conferencing equipment and encourage this as an alternative to travel for a work or study trip. For more details, please read our Sustainable Business Travel Plan.
