Each year the BU Travel and Transport Team, in partnership with Dorset Police and Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch Council, run a number of activities aimed at helping support cyclists and pedestrians stay safe whilst travelling to and from campus during the darker months.
Now the clocks have gone back, your commute may now be during periods of low light, here are some tips to help you stay safe:
Walking
If you're walking to and from campus in the darker hours please ensure that you choose well-lit main routes.
Clothing and equipment
Ensure you have appropriate clothing and equipment for the changing weather including waterproof clothing and an umbrella.
You can also use your BU ID card or Totum card to access discounts at a number of local retailers including Cotswold Outdoors and Go Outdoors.
Free personal safety alarms
BU are offering personal safety alarms to students and staff (whilst stock lasts). To collect yours, please bring your BU ID to either Poole House, Bournemouth Gateway Building or Executive Business Centre Reception between 8am – 5pm.
Cycling
If you're travelling to and from campus it's best to check the weather each day to ensure the route can be taken safely. But the winter doesn’t mean you have to stop cycling, you just need to make sure you are prepared and your bike is in good condition. See the information below on our free Bike Doctor service.
Being seen when cycling in the dark is really important, so make sure you have working lights to the front and rear of your bike, and wear high visibility clothing or back pack covers so you can be seen by drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists.
Clothing and equipment
Being prepared for the changing British weather is key to a more comfortable cycling journey.
You can use your BU ID card or Totum card to access discounts at a number of local retailers including Cotswold Outdoors and Go Outdoors.
There are also a range of cycling shops in the area where additional safety equipment can be purchased for you and your bike. Check out the SUBU discount pages for more information.
Free bike lights and back pack covers
BU are providing free bike lights and hi-vis back pack covers to students and staff (whilst stocks last). To collect yours, please bring your BU ID card to either Poole House, Bournemouth Gateway Building or Executive Business Centre Reception between 8am – 5pm.
Bike tagging
Dorset Police offer a free bike tagging service at this time of year to students and staff. Please email them on [email protected] to book onto a session to bring your bike in to have it tagged and for more information.
Making sure your bike is in top shape is also really important at this time of year. The conditions on the roads are more unpredictable so why not let our Bike Doctor have a look over your bike free of charge. Check the next dates when the Bike Doctor will be on campus.
Highway Code
Please be aware of the Highway Code:
- At night your bike MUST have both white front and red rear lights lit
- It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/1985)
- White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen
- You should wear reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) to make yourself more visible in the dark.
Don’t have a bike?
If you would like to cycle but don’t have your own bike then don’t worry. BU have a number of schemes to help students buy, borrow, or loan a bike at low rates.
BU by Bike Scheme – Short or long term loan bikes available at low prices from local retailer Hope2Cycle. Bikes come with a D-lock and you can purchase helmets, bike lights and other equipment at subsidised prices. Find out more about the BU by Bike scheme.
Beryl Bike Scheme – Beryl Bikes are a pool bike scheme with communal bikes located across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch. Simply download the app to find a bike near you. Did you know that all Beryl Bikes are fitted with front and rear lights that come on automatically in low light – one less thing to worry about! Find out more about the Beryl Bike scheme.
See the full BU Travel Plan for more information on how we aim to support sustainable travel at BU and in the wider community.
