The annual 'Brighten Up' campaign aims to promote safe cycling during the darker months.
The clocks go back on Sunday 29 October and the evenings will become darker an hour earlier. As we head into winter, with darker mornings and evenings, we want to encourage you to continue cycling but to stay safe whilst doing so.
Be safe and be seen
It is important to be prepared and make sure that your bikes are kitted out with the right lights. Bike lights must be used on campus, public roads, cycle paths or public places between sunset and sunrise or in seriously reduced visibility. By law you must have front and rear lights, a rear reflector and pedal reflectors. Without this you risk a fine of up to £150 from either the police or the university. You can pick up a set of front and back lights from the SU shop.
The more visible you are, the safer you are. During the day wear bright or fluorescent clothing, at night you should wear reflective garments to reflect motorists' headlights.
To help you be seen this winter, we are giving away a Proviz Reflect360 cycling jacket to one lucky winner! Enter the competition here.
Bike maintenance
Keeping your bike in good working order will also help to avoid accidents. Book it in for a free service with Nottingham Bikeworks’ Dr Bike sessions, held on each campus every month.
Cycle safety events
We have some cycle safety events in October to help you keep safe during the darker month periods. These stalls will be giving out a selection of cycle goodies to all cyclists in attendance as well as giving appropriate cycle security advice and leaflets.
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Jubilee campus Exchange Building foyer
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Wednesday Oct 4 8am to 10am
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Med School reception foyer
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Thursday Oct 5 8am to 10am
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Coates Road Opp L3 Building
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Monday Oct 9 8am to 10am
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Chemistry Front Entrance
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Thursday Oct 12 8am to 10am
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Psychology Building cycle racks
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Wednesday Oct 18 8am to 10am
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DRSV Cycle Racks
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Friday Oct 20 8am to 10am
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Nottinghamshire Police will also be offering a free bike marking scheme for students alongside our Dr Bike events on 25 October and throughout November. This entails marking the bike with a unique reference number, adding a tamper proof sticker and entering the details on their website. If any offenders were stopped with a bike, police have a quick reference to who was the owner.
Cycling is good for your health, your pocket and the planet. So, go! Brighten Up.
Posted on Thursday 21st September 2023