The annual 'Brighten Up' campaign aims to promote safe cycling during the darker months.
The clocks go back on Sunday 27 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.
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.
Throughout October, Nottinghamshire Police will be offering a free bike marking scheme for students alongside our Dr Bike events. 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, the 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 Friday 11th October 2024