Blaze, founded by Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ graduate Emily Brooke MBE, was the former title of the organisation that pioneered a green light that projects the shape of a bicycle six metres in front of cyclists.
The design, created by Emily in her time at the university, has been widely credited with greatly improving cyclist safety in urban spaces. Emily was awarded an MBE for her innovation last year.
Due to trademark restrictions in the US, Blaze has now changed its name to beryl. The new title refers to both the gemstone of the same name – which is a similar colour to the bicycle light – and Beryl Burton, the British cyclist who won over 100 domestic and seven world titles.
She also set a 12-hour time trial record that went unbeaten by a man for two years. As a mother who was never a professional cyclist, she stands as a symbol for the inclusivity of cycling.