Cycling in Sheffield
Sheffield may have a topography which challenges cyclists but the City Council and community have a positive attitude towards encouraging cycling.
In recent years, the City Council has made considerable investment in the development of designated cycle routes within Sheffield and linking to the Sustrans national cycle network. This is a commitment the Council confirms will be continued.
Cycling, important to both staff and students, is cheap and accessible. In heavy traffic, it is faster and more reliable than many other forms of transport. Incidentally, if you are worried about traffic fumes, there is evidence that in traffic jams, the air quality is frequently worse inside cars than outside.
If you are not already a regular cyclist, now may be the time to start but do not expect to ride five times a week straight away. To start with, sort out your route. There is an almost flat route available between the University's Collegiate Crescent and City Campuses. Wherever you live in the City, Sheffield City Council has produced a comprehensive cycle map for the City, so work out your best route to 'work'. Copies will also shortly be available from the stand adjacent to Reception in the Owen Building, Level 5, City Campus.
The Government's National Cycling Strategy set clear objectives to establish a culture which favours the increased use of bicycles and set a national target to double cycle use between 2002 and 2012. Sheffield Hallam University aims to play its part towards achieving these ambitious targets. As a regeneration partner, working with the City, the University is creating cycle friendly environments. In addition, as an employer, the University will provide the means and encouragement for staff to cycle to work and on business. The University also anticipates, and will support, an increasing demand from students for adequate provision for the needs of cyclists.
This University promotes the use of bicycles for the following reasons
- Health – cycling can improve health by lowering the risk of heart disease, shedding excess weight, and increasing fitness. Tests have shown that after four to five months of regular cycling, aerobic fitness improves by an average of 13 per cent and body fat falls by an average of two to three kilograms. Regular exercise reduces stress and contributes to mental well being.
Cycling, or walking briskly, for half an hour a day can halve the risk of heart disease.
- Environment – increasing cycling benefits the environment by cutting carbon dioxide emissions and reducing noise.
Bicycles are kind to the environment.
- Congestion – promoting cycling can have benefits in reducing traffic congestion.
Indeed, it is part of the solution to the problem.
- Education – the University, by providing facilities for cyclists and encouraging cycling, provides an example of good practice.
Cycling helps to create safer, more neighbourly communities.
Take care. Cycling in Sheffield presents a special challenge. It may be the first time you have come across tram tracks. 
You will find that on West Street and Church Street, the tram tracks are on-street and cyclists using these streets (and other areas of the City where the tram runs on-street), need to ride with great care if you are to avoid difficulties.
Take extra care when riding close to, or crossing the tracks.
Cross the tracks at a wide angle and clear of any moving parts or points.
Where possible stay near the kerb and clear of the rails. Tram stops, which are built out into the street, pose a particular problem for cyclists. 
To negotiate these you should follow these simple rules
- on the approach to the tram stop, take up a position between the rails when there is an adequate gap in the traffic
- ride between the rails until you are clear of the tram stop
- when it is safe to do so, cross the nearside rail and resume a kerbside riding position
You should also know about 'Advanced Stop Lines' which you will find at some traffic signals. These are one of a suite of measures designed to improve safety and journey times for cyclists.
The advanced stop line is used to create a special area at traffic signals where cyclists can wait in front of other traffic. This enables cyclists to avoid potential collisions with left turning traffic and enables right hand turns to be made more safely. A major cause of accidents to cyclists is vehicles turning left across them. The cycle advance area allows cyclists to move away from the junction ahead of other traffic and without holding the traffic up.
There is usually a cycle lane leading into it, helping cyclists to reach the front of the traffic queue. If you do need to turn right at the junction and the traffic is stopped, you should approach the junction in the nearside cycle lane and, after making sure that it is clear to do so and indicating your intention to other road users, take up a position to the right of the cycle advance area. At many sites, the cycle advance area and the cycle lane are coloured red, to contrast with the road colour and to raise driver awareness to the likely presence of cyclists. A white cycle symbol is included on the cycle lane and in the cycle advance area.
Finally, a word about cycle lanes
Cycle lanes are either mandatory or advisory. Mandatory lanes are marked with a solid white line. In normal circumstances motor vehicles cannot drive or park in mandatory cycle lanes. Advisory lanes are marked with a dashed white line. Motor vehicles are allowed to use advisory cycle lanes if necessary. An advisory cycle lane does not mean that car parking is not allowed.
Enjoy your cycling!
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