Nottingham students in 'pedal to Uni' scheme

Car-driving students and their lecturers are the targets of a new campaign in Nottingham to get more people cycling.

The 'Do Something Different' campaign, launched by Sustrans, is aimed at both the city's universities and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Cornerstone of the initiative is an online pledge to change travel behaviour by cycling.

By making a pledge to either start cycling, travel to university sites by bike or encourage a friend to cycle, staff and students will receive regular emails with helpful cycling tips and advice to help boost motivation. The project team can also provide individual support and signposting onto other cycling organisations such as Ridewise, the cycle training provider in Nottingham.

Sustrans' Project Manager, Joanna Ward, said: "This campaign will give staff and students an opportunity to make a difference to their overall fitness levels, whether they're new to cycling or have been pedalling for years.

"There are plenty of scenic, traffic-free routes waiting to be explored around Nottingham, so we're hoping that the Do Something Different campaign will inspire people to take to the saddle as part of their everyday travel needs. The Ucycle Nottingham project team will be on hand to support and encourage everyone who pledges."

Catherine Hughes from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, works on a project called Q Active which is dedicated to improving staff health.

She said: "The start of a new year is typically a time during which many people decide to embark on a new fitness campaign but often find it difficult to keep the momentum going. NUH is teaming up with Ucycle Nottingham to support staff to take steps towards long-lasting changes that will improve their health and well being."

Staff and students who make a pledge will be given a free gift and will be entered into a free prize draw to win a bike shop voucher, food hampers, vouchers for local entertainment venues and various bike accessories. There will also be a series of Cycle to Work/Uni days in March/April to celebrate everyone's hard work.

To find out more or to make a pledge, visit www.sustrans.org.uk/ucyclenottingham