Sustrans helps Nottingham higher education institutions get pedalling

Staff and students at higher education institutes in Nottingham are this month being encouraged to cycle to work or university this month to help them get fit.

The initiative, called Ucycle Nottingham, has been put in place by the susutainable transport charity Sustrans in partnership with The University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Council, Cycling England and The Big Wheel.

Students and staff at the institutions are being encouraged to go online to make a pledge to undertake more of their journeys to work or university by bicycle to improve their own health and have a positive impact on the environment. Once they have completed a journey by bike during one of the cycling sessions, they will receive a free breakfast and gift.

Sustrans' Project Manager, Joanna Ward, said: "The 'cycle to work or university' days have been organised to give staff and students an opportunity to make a difference to their overall fitness levels, whether they're new to cycling or have been pedaling for years.”

She added: "Cycling is one of the easiest, most affordable and convenient ways to get fit and healthy whilst commuting from A to B, making it ideal for staff and students to travel through the city to get to meetings and lectures.”

Ms Ward continued: "We are hoping that the free breakfasts and gifts will help to motivate people to take to the saddle as part of their everyday travel needs. During the series of cycling sessions, a Dr Bike will be on hand to offer staff and students a free bike maintenance check and cycling information will be freely available".

Full details on when “cycle to work or university” days are being held at the respective institutions can be found on the Sustrans website, while local information on cycling in Nottingham is available on The Big Wheel website.