Dozens of students turned out for a special event at the Colchester campus aimed at promoting safe cycling.

Cyclists were able to sign up for free 45-minute cycle training sessions run by a team from Cycle Training East; get their bikes checked over; even buy a second hand bike and get some free cycle lights.

For second year student Rowan Alcock, it was an opportunity not to miss: 'I’m living off campus this year and I’m not overly familiar with the roads around campus. Also my mum’s friend died in a cycling accident in London so I really want to make sure I know how to cycle safely.'

Demand for the training meant that three separate sessions had to be run across the afternoon, with cyclists being given some tips on looking after their bike before braving some circuit training and then hitting the roads close to the University.

Transport Policy Coordinator Charlotte Humphries added: 'With the darker evenings and lots of new students on campus, we wanted to put on a event that would give people the chance to get all the advice and help they needed in one go. The response has been fantastic and I’m grateful to everyone who participated to make it so successful.'

The University runs a range of  cycling initiatives aimed at encouraging more people to cycle to work and there is also a University Bike Users Group (BUG) which is run independently by members – email: bug@essex.ac.uk for more information.