It is difficult to imagine Oxford without bicycles. They stand near colleges, libraries, university buildings and have literally become part of the atmosphere of this famous student city.
One of the main reasons is the particular layout of the University of Oxford. There is no single large university campus here: colleges, faculties, libraries and other buildings are spread throughout the city. Therefore, during the day, a student may need to get from their college to a class, then to the library and, in the evening, to meet friends. A bicycle is ideal for this: Oxford is quite compact, and many important places are located within a short distance of one another. Moreover, it is a convenient way to get around the city quickly while not depending on public transport. But in Oxford, a bicycle is already more than just a means of transportation. Here, it has become part of student life and the city’s distinctive atmosphere. A morning ride through narrow streets past historic colleges, bicycles parked near the entrance to the library, and hundreds of students hurrying to classes, it is details like these that make up everyday life in Oxford.
Perhaps that is why the bicycle fits so naturally into the image of this city: Oxford combines centuries of history with modern, active student life.
