Travel FAQs
Travel frequently asked questions
Why haven’t we got a sustainable travel policy in place?
Our Sustainable Travel Policy has now launched. We are taking up good practice already adopted by other universities, such as using virtual meetings wherever possible, switching from air to rail in the UK and nearer parts of Europe, taking fewer but longer multi-purpose trips, with a focus on quality trips over quantity of travel.
We recognise that travel, including air travel, will still be part of what we do – however we will be asking everyone to adopt a more climate-conscious approach to travel, prioritising quality not quantity of travel, travelling less and choosing lower-carbon approaches wherever possible.
Why don’t we encourage the use of public transport/bicycles instead?
According to the 2022 ‘Future of…Sport’ survey conducted by Move Imperial, approximately 22% of our community already cycle to campus. Move Imperial spearhead the Active Travel campaign that is designed to encourage more people to integrate cycling (or any element of physical activity) into their commutes.
This campaign includes web content, cycle maps, and Yammer groups, as well as the College’s Cycle to Work discount scheme for staff. The university offers season ticket loans and is a member of the Cycle to Work scheme.
Work is taking place to encourage and support more active travel for staff and students when commuting to campus, and we will work with the Imperial College Union to consider the options available to reduce the carbon footprint from student travel. We are currently working on an Active Travel Action Plan. Imperial’s carbon footprint from commuting is small, because we have public transport options available as well as a high level of cycling.
You can find more via our Active Travel webpages on the opportunities to find a way that is best for yourself, your health and the environment when it comes to Active Travel.
Bicycles – can we encourage more people to cycle?
The university has a whole range of cycling incentives in place from secure cycle parking to the Cycle to Work scheme for staff.
Find further information on Active Travel here. Nonetheless, further measure to facilitate and encourage active travel will be considered as we develop our Active Travel Plan via the Sustainable Travel Working Group.