October 25, 2012, by sustainablenottingham
Brighten Up
Hi-vis rucsac
Ucycle Project Officer, Briony Cheeseman, explains more about the Brighten Up campaign.
Following on from September’s busy month with students coming back, October is turning out to be just as busy with around 200 Ucycle bikes being hired out to students – the third year of the hire scheme. But October also has additional importance as the dark nights start to draw in and the clocks fall back an hour on 28th October. Suddenly you’re going home in the dark and find yourself needing to be more vigilant, whether that’s as a cyclist, pedestrian or motorist.
The Ucycle team is running a Brighten Up campaign again this year to highlight the importance of being seen on your bike.
It may sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating that it’s very difficult to see cyclists in black clothing at night! Wearing a hi-vis vest and adding reflective slap bands to your ankles makes a real difference – it dramatically increases your visibility to motorists. And it makes it safer for all road users.
I have created a handy five point checklist to make sure you will be bright and be seen when cycling in the dark. There’s also some guidance to help motorists and drivers be more aware of each other – both on campus and beyond.
The Ucycle team is holding several events over the next few weeks for you to come and chat to us and find out more about cycling in the winter months. If you have any questions about bikes and road safety and making yourself be seen on your bike, please come along and try the Ucycle lucky dip for a chance to win some free prizes such as lights, bike seat covers (for when it rains), hi-vis items, slap bands and other goodies.
We have teamed up with some local bike shops to offer a Brighten Up discount on lights, hi-vis and reflective cycling equipment from 29th October to 11th November 2012. You can collect one of these vouchers from any of the following events (all 12pm – 2pm):
Reflective slap band
Monday 29th October 2012
Foyer of the Exchange Building, Jubilee Campus
Wednesday 31st October
Foyer of the Vet School, Sutton Bonington
Thursday 1st November
Coates café, University Park
Friday 2nd November
Reception, King’s Meadow Campus
Tuesday 6th November
C floor of Portland Building (near the Atrium), University Park
For more information please email Briony Cheeseman, visit the Ucycle Facebook page or follow Ucycle on twitter.
Be safe out there people.
It may not look “cool” but it could save your life!