Cut-price bicycles are to be offered to University of Suffolk staff as part of a new crackdown on carbon, cost and calories.

The cycling for work initiative will be launched next month – and means free bikes will be available for staff travelling in and around Ipswich on university business.

It is hoped that by using bikes instead of cars, workers will cut their carbon emissions, weekly fuel bills and trim their waistlines.

Sustainability and environment manager Justine Oakes said: “The scheme will provide a number of direct benefits, significantly reducing our environmental impacts, the travel expenses associated with taxis, public transport fares, parking fees and mileage costs for personal cars.

“Other benefits of pool bikes include quicker journeys enabling employees to work more efficiently, whilst improving health and fitness as well as wellbeing benefits.”

The university is the latest organisation in Suffolk to launch such a project.

Ipswich Star campaign Ditch the Car earlier this year while the county council rolled out new cycling maps for all businesses last month.