Like it or not, fresher’s week is over, and it might be time to think about putting the pint down and setting about getting rid of that rapidly growing beer gut.
Well, if the gym isn’t your thing, what about cycling to uni?
On Your Bike
It might sound obvious, but every day the tram is packed full of people travelling in from all corners of Nottingham when the cycle paths are barely touched.
Similarly, roads are full and parking spaces at a premium with students and staff facing a constant battle to avoid having to pay for the privilege.
This has not gone unnoticed by the cities officials either, with the sustainable transport charity Sustrans now teaming up with Nottingham City Council, the NHS Trust and the two universities to try and get people cycling or walking to where they need to be.
At a cost of £3 million, the two-year project aims to improve bicycle routes, provide safety training and best of all offer discounts at cycle stores and make more bikes available to hire.
Sustrans Regional Director Yvonne Gilliigan said: “There is enormous potential to improve the health of staff and students – and reduce traffic congestion around universities – by encouraging them to walk or cycle more of their everyday trips.”
Cycling England is to put £1million in to the project with the other partners contributing a further £2million between them.
Phillip Darnton, Chairman of Cycling England, said: “This initiative is a great example of how we can help people overcome the barriers to getting on their bikes, as well as creating innovative solutions to encourage existing cyclists to use two wheels as often as possible.”
However, there are of course issues with cycling in Nottingham.
Jacqui Pickup, third year Multimedia student (21) from Basford, said: “Theft is a problem, probably the biggest problem in Nottingham; I had my bike stolen in the first year.
“But it is good exercise and it’s green, although I think most people would prefer to walk in and the lack of bike stands can be a problem.”
Jacqui was however keen to point out that although Nottingham’s roads might seem daunting at first, they are actually good to cycle on.
She added: “Most roads are one way and as long as you have experience of cycling on busy roads you’ll be fine.”
So with training being offered and discounts available in shops, health benefits and improvements to paths and stands on their way, what more can be said then: on yer bike.
Nick Calladine
