York is a city renowned for its progressive approach to city planning and sustainable transportation having introduced a pedestrianised city centre more than 25 years ago.  They have worked to create better cycling networks, over the years having replaced train-tracks with Sustran cycle routes and providing both an extensive network of off-road cycle paths and on-road cycle lanes.  The hard work has paid off with York being able to boast some of the best cycling infrastructure in Britain, which has resulted in the rapid growth of the York Cyclist.

One particular demographic has fully embraced cycling as their primary means of transport around the town – The Student, and The University of York has been paramount in encouraging them to do so.

So it came as no surprise that when Fiona Macey, Travel Plan Coordinator at the The University of York, was introduced to Cycle Alert she was eager to become one of the first cities to implement the system on their network of Unibuses and encourage students to use the Cycle Alert transmitters on their bikes.

Fiona Macey, Travel Plan co-ordinator, University of York, said:

“We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Transdev Unibus and the City of York Council to be the first UK city to pioneer the use of Cycle Alert on our University bus fleet.  The University is committed to promoting sustainable modes of travel and Cycle Alert will be a huge benefit to our cyclists and city wide.”

Cycle Alert has been designed to address the issue of increased incidents between cyclists and vehicles on the road. Primarily, the disproportionate amount of accidents and deaths to cyclists whilst traveling through busy junctions and when they come into contact with Heavy Good Vehicles.

Cycle Alert encourages drivers and cyclists to take responsibility for making the road a safer place. And unlike other sensor and video systems in circulation, Cycle Alert is a cyclist specific system, tracking only cyclists up to two metres in proximity. Cycle Alert also evades the ‘white noise’ issue of existing systems indicating the presence of any object in the vicinity.

Cycle Alert understands that drivers and cyclists will need to engage with the product to have a real impact on road safety. The system has already received approval from two of the leading names in the haulage industry: Eddie Stobart and Keltbray are both early supporters of the scheme and the Met Police have demonstrated Cycle Alert in all its recent ‘exchanging places events’ as part of its cyclist road safety programme.eas frequented by cyclists – it facilitates a direct warning from a cyclist straight to the vehicle driver.

Although designed initially with HGVs in mind, it should be noted that Cycle Alert can be used by all vehicle users, with a view to making the roads a safer place. A unique, inexpensive technology, Cycle Alert is an indispensable product for both cyclists and drivers.

We are equally thrilled to be working alongside University of York, Transdev and City of York Council to bring about an even safer city cycling experience.  We envisage this as just the start of a successful partnership with other cities to follow suit.

Cycle Alert is Proud to Sponsor YuCycle.  And here’s why…

What is YuCycle?

YuCycle is a sportive cycle event taking place on Sunday 22 June 2014 which provides a range of fantastic, fully supported, rides for all abilities and a great day out. Organised by the University of York, York Sport Village, and the University of York Cycle Club under the banner of British Cycling, YuCycle builds on the University of York’s Big Bike Ride event, which was held in June 2013 as part of the University’s 50th anniversary.

You can choose to challenge yourself over one of three distances 100km, 50km or 25km. This is a great opportunity to get together with friends or work colleagues to make a difference to young people, and take part in a great year for cycling in Yorkshire. At the Sport Village there will also be plenty of things for the family to do, including a session on the fixed 1km cycle track at the York Sport Village for those aged 6 to 16. Make 2014 the year that you get on your bike and join this great community ride.

Join us for this bike riding challenge today!

“Cycle Alert is delighted to partner with YuCycle. The University of York’s commitment to sustainable travel and their ongoing support of Cycle Alert demonstrates their dedication to promoting cycle safety in the City. We look forward to success of YuCycle in the year when the Tour de France begins in Yorkshire and cycling is at the forefront of community interests.”

Fundraising

It is our priority at York to ensure that the benefits of our education are available to all, no matter what their background. York is a first class university with first class students. YuCycle aims to raise funds to support our Achieving Excellence Bursary Appeal which enables students from lower income families to get the most out of their time at York, supporting them financially as they undertake their degree. Currently we can only award a bursary to one in every four students who need it and with your help we can ensure that support is there for more students.

A small proportion of the registration fee will benefit the Appeal. Participants can make a further donation at the end of the registration process. Staff and alumni participants will be invited to raise sponsorship through JustGiving. Our fundraising target is £10,000 which will enable us to award 10 more bursaries next year.