Join in grand celebration for our 1,000 cyclists this week
31 Mar 2014
Manchester has biggest university bike users’ group in UK
The University of Manchester Bike Users Group (UMBUG) is celebrating after recruiting its 1,000th member – making it the biggest University cyclists group in the country.
Susie Wallace took UMBUG to its amazing milestone when she joined to access its support and the enthusiasm of her fellow cyclists.
“I'm thrilled to be the 1,000th member of UMBUG,” said Susie, a Linux Web Infrastructure Administrator in IT Services.
“I currently commute from Liverpool by cycle and train. I've been a cycle commuter in the past but never have I worked for an organisation with such support and enthusiasm for cycling.
“I'll be moving to Manchester within the next couple of months and it's reassuring to know that I can ask a cycle buddy for help with routes in to work and that we have secure cycle parking and showers available.”
UMBUG is celebrating this one-off milestone with a party outside University Place on Thursday, 3 April.
It is inviting members old and new to come and meet up – and showcase their community with a specially commissioned photo shoot of a ‘sea of cyclists’.
There will also be entertainment and refreshments at this one-and-only chance to gather all 1000 – as well as would-be – UMBUG members.
Founder Michael Bane said: “UMBUG has had a very successful journey since its inception in 2007.
“We’re not only the biggest UK university cyclists group, but also the best in our opinion. This deserves a celebration and that’s exactly what we intend to do – so come along for the ride!”
UMBUG has a strong history of active volunteers working both together and with the University to promote cycling and improve the infrastructure for cyclists, installing bike shelters and showers for example. It has also secured various funding bids, run a variety of events and its amazing levels of volunteer commitment have seen UMBUG become an outstanding example of staff community.
And it is a community to be reckoned with. In the 2010 Staff Travel Survey, 13% of staff said they cycled to work at the University – the UK average commute by cycle is just 2%.
Michael, who received the National Environmental Hero award in 2009/10 for his unwavering commitment to promoting cycling at the University, added: “It’s amazing to think back to 2007 and see how far we’ve come.
“The future is looking brighter all the time for cyclists with continued University investment in facilities as well as the changes to Oxford Road and the city-wide Vélocity 2025 just to name a few initiatives.
“Seeing all 1,000 UMBUG members together simultaneously would make a very significant statement of community and of the importance of cycling at the University.”
How to get involved
To register to attend the celebration, visit:
To help with its promotion or simply find out more, email:
If want to come but are not an UMBUG member, sign up to the mailing list at:
Further information
Visit: