Every Stirling student has their own quarrel with the Unilink service – whether it’s been running late, not running at all, too expensive, full, or a vomit comet. The Unilink had let me down one too many times recently. I decided it was time to find out the ultimate way to travel to Stirling Campus.
The Santander Bikes offered the perfect challenge – could I get to campus faster, reliably, and cheaper than the Unilink? Or would I be sweaty, exhausted, and late for class?
What is Nextbike, and how does it work?
Santander Cycles Stirling operates NextBike. All University of Stirling students and staff receive 30 minutes of free bike rental for each journey, after which the scheme operates at a charge of 50p/half hour for longer bike rides. This successfully tempted me into cycling to campus, appeasing my wish to break the monotonous bus-catching routine. The new cycle lanes through Stirling leading to the university meant that I didn’t have to worry too much about the lack of a helmet or navigating roundabouts – phew!
I installed the free NextBike app, which required a £5 deposit upon setting up your account in case you overrun your free cycling time. The app then loads up with a map of the area, and red pins indicate bike rental/drop-off spots. The number on the pin shows how many bikes are available. They tend to be well dispersed, with vans frequently restocking depleted locations, however, the app also offers the ability to reserve a bike.
When you arrive at a red pin location, you click the ‘Rent Bike’ button, which will prompt you to scan the QR code on the frame of your chosen bike. Once you’ve done this, the lock will automatically release, and your rental has started – easy stuff!
It’s a similar process to return the bike – once you’ve reached your destination, leave the bike at another red pin location. Click the lock back into place, and that’s it – you’re done! Just check the app to ensure that your rental has ended.
Free of charge, uncomplicated rental processes, and available at your fingertips…in theory. I cycled to class this morning to try it out, comparing it to the Unilink. Here’s what I found.
Bike Versus Bus: The Reality
To set the scene: I am a relatively physically fit and healthy 21-year-old. I still have my Under 22s bus pass, but not for much longer. I am NOT a cyclist in any shape or form. I struggle with anxiety around the new and unknown, especially with the concept of being perceived. This is how using the Santander bikes went for me.
I left my flat 10 minutes later than I normally would for class, feeling optimistic about beating the bus and arriving in plenty of time. There were four smart-looking bikes parked outside of McDonald’s, and I selected one at random. Having heard stories of broken gears and buckled chains, I was aware that I might be in for a bit of a potluck. Luckily, my bike was in fine working order, with smooth gears and a comfortable seat level. Unlocking the bike only took about 30 seconds, and I was off down the hill to reach the cycle path at the station.
Although wobbly at first, my confidence quickly started to grow. I followed the cycle lane quite happily to Union Street, not realising that I had meant to turn right to head past Tesco. I was quickly headed for the roundabout and had a wee panic – at least on the bus, I’m not in charge! I swerved, slightly dangerously, onto the pavement, and I was back on track, heading under the roundabout to go over the old bridge.
Ensuring to actually follow the blue signs to the university, I headed along Causewayhead Road at the same pace as a Unilink that had left at the same time as me. Side by side, I was feeling smug – but tired already. It was a cold morning, and it felt like the air was hitting my brain when I breathed in. Fighting a runny nose and burning legs, I pushed on…and on…and on.
When I finally returned the bike at the University Entrance, my legs were shaking, and I was tomato coloured. But I had done it! I had made it in time for my class, had 10 extra minutes in bed compared to normal, been out and active, had not spent a penny, and hadn’t sworn at a non-existent bus. It felt like a great success – except that I’m writing this three hours later, and my legs are still wobbly. There’s some practice to do here.
For ease and understanding, I have compiled my observations into a small table and a pros and cons list:
Bike Pros
- Quicker than waiting for and riding the bus
- Completely free
- Can dodge traffic and road closures
- Available at your fingertips, especially if you reserve a bike in advance
- Gets you physically active, which is great for mental and physical well-being
- More vitamin D (valuable in Scotland)
- No carbon emissions
Bike Cons
- Miserable if it’s raining
- Hard work if you’re not used to the movement
- Not accessible to people with physical disabilities
- Requires a basic understanding of UK road safety laws, rights of way, and cycling routes
- Some bikes may operate poorly, e.g., with buckled chains and clunky or stuck gears. However, this is a minority.
- Ouch, my legs are sore…
Bus Pros
- It requires way less physical effort and offers a chance to sit and relax
- Has a roof! Dry and warm
- Free with Under 22 NEC
- Accessible for physically disabled folk
Bus Cons
- Unreliable – will it turn up or will it not? Nobody knows
- Gets stuck in traffic and is impacted by road closures and works
- Absolutely jam-packed with folks if you get a lecture kick-out time bus
- Need to leave extra time before classes to allow for it to be late/not show up
- Costly for those over 22 as the bus fares add up quickly
To Conclude the Battle
The bus remains the more accessible, less effort, chilled-out option; however, in terms of cost, time, and reliability, the Santander Bikes come out way ahead. At the end of the day, it depends on who you are, what you enjoy, your physical capabilities, and the great Scottish weather.
I would say that my bike riding experience was far more enjoyable and rewarding than waiting on a Unilink, and hopefully, this article will help more people recognise and use the NextBike scheme to commute to campus sustainably and healthily.
Good luck with your wobbly legs, students! It is worth the effort. Have fun, and don’t cycle over any old ladies.
Do you have any additional observations that we can add to this exploration? Email us or leave a comment to have your say.
Featured Image Credit: Alice Pollard
Journalism student at the University of Stirling & BRAW Magazine editor 24/25 and 25/26 🙂
You can see my portfolio here: https://www.clippings.me/alicepollard
