The Cambridge question: to bike or not to bike?

Bikes and Cambridge, Cambridge and bikes. The two seem cosmically intertwined, connected by some higher power. Every morning on my walk to Sidgwick, the bicycles flood the streets, surging forwards with the determination of an approaching army. 

Before coming to Cambridge, I was plagued by that monumental question – to bike or not to bike? I hope, in some way, to provide an answer for those still deliberating this quandary. 

The pros

Let’s begin with the undeniable advantage of cycling – speed. You’ve woken up 10 minutes before a lecture? Not to fear! Whizz through the Cambridge high street, bend a few highway codes and all is well. Those latecomers who are trudging wearily by foot will gaze wistfully as you speed past. 

Cycling is also an easy way to get some exercise in. Being plagued with piles of hefty books, nonsensical essay questions and unforgiving deadlines, most of us have neither the time nor the energy to spend hours in the gym. Cycling to lectures and supervisions is an easy way to tick off exercise from the over-long to do list. 

Bicycle Mania in Sidney Sussex

The cons

It is not only Cambridge students who revere the bicycle. Enter stage left: the bike thieves. Last year, Cambridge topped the national charts for bike theft  – because, as in everything, we just can’t help but come out on top. Cambridge bike thieves really do go above and beyond: if your bike is locked up, they’ll just take your wheels. What perseverance! So, if you do decide to cycle, I recommend getting a cheaper model which won’t be eye-wateringly expensive to replace.

Most Read

Good lord, Bonnie Blue opened up about what Beavo was like in bed and I’m traumatised

Dave dated another MAFS Australia 2025 bride before the show and you’ll never guess who

Omg, Sam Thompson is now dating this Love Islander following Zara McDermott split?!

Now onto the reason why I personally forgo the bicycle and content myself with the pedestrian lifestyle – cycling in Cambridge seems terrifying. Although Cambridge ranks very well on being ‘bike-friendly’, and has well-developed cycling infrastructure, the sheer quantity of bikes which thunder down narrow streets are reminiscent of that one scene in Lion King with the stampeding buffalo. RIP Mufasa. The thought of having to contend with a storm of other cyclists, many of whom are late to lectures, is bone-chilling stuff. 

As a committed pedestrian, I will also say that walking can be wonderful. Although walking may not have the benefit of pace, it allows you to appreciate the architectural beauty and rich history of Cambridge – I love looking for gargoyles and other little wonders that are tucked away all over the city. My walks to Sidgwick through King’s College, with its green meadows and magnificent chapel, are often my favourite part of the day. 

Walk through King’s College
Image credits: Felix Seymour

It depends…

In dutiful honour to my supervisors, I must now produce the obligatory ‘well, it depends…’ section. The most important factor in deciding whether or not to cycle is your location. If you find yourself stranded in the distant settlements of Homerton or Girton and want to avoid long walks or unreliable bus timetables, then cycling may be an unavoidable necessity. If, however, you find yourself in the conveniently located colleges of Sidney Sussex or Queens’, walking is a very viable alternative. The other factor is whether you are willing to brace the horde of other cyclists and oncoming traffic. If your answer is yes, I commend your courage and wish you much luck. 

Advert for a bicycle shop near Queen’s College

Hopefully this guide has provided some counsel on how to approach cycling in Cambridge. Ultimately, however, the answer lies with you – to bike, or not to bike?