‘Brighten Up’ promotes safe cycling during the darker months. The clocks go back on Sunday 30 October and the evenings will be darker earlier. As we head into winter, learn how and why to Brighten Up and keep cycling safely.

Be safe and be seen

Bikes must have working bike lights between sunset and sunrise, or in seriously reduced visibility. This is the case whether you are cycling on campus, public roads, cycle paths or public places. 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 Spar shop in the Portland Building on University Park for £4.95.

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.

Save money

If you drive to campus, on average it costs more than £600 per year in fuel if you travel in three days a week. If you haven’t considered cycling before, the university has several initiatives to help you get started.

• Get up to £4,000 off Bikes & E-bikes with the Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Buy a new refurbished bike from Nottingham Bikeworks starting from £80. There are bike sales on campus throughout October and November. Find out more.

• All of our main campuses have showers, lockers and bike storage facilities.

• Monthly Dr Bike sessions, by Nottingham Bikeworks will service your bike for free. Bikes tend to deteriorate more quickly in winter and keeping it in good working order will help to avoid accidents. Subscribe to our Sustainable Nottingham newsletter to receive Dr Bike dates every month.

Win prizes

This year, the university sustainability team have joined up with U-cycle Nottingham to run a Brighten Up cycling competition. U-cycle are the university’s official bike rental company, offering cycle hire to students and staff. Take part in the joint Instagram competition to be in with the chance of winning free bike rental for a semester. Plus three runners up will each win a set of bike lights.

Cycling is good for your health, your pocket and the planet. So go! Brighten Up.

For more advice on staying safe and visible on the roads during autumn and winter, visit the Brighten Up webpage.