Cyclists warned to stay safe

With the end of daylight saving and autumn settling in, cyclists are being reminded to stay safe by wearing high visibility gear while biking on the road.

The NZ Transport Agency and Police are joining forces in a bid to reduce cycling casualties.

Cyclist are being advised to make sure they are highly visible while out riding.

As a result, the two organisations are introducing a new pilot programme called Be Bright, which encourages cyclists to have suitable lights on their bikes and wear high-visibility clothing during low-light periods.

Access and Use general manager Celia Patrick says the campaign in running in Tauranga, Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North and Nelson.

Tauranga’s Be Bright campaign will involve checkpoints at key locations where Police will assess reflective gear and lights.

Cyclists with adequate lights will be rewarded with a vouches and cyclists without will be given a bike light so traffic can see them on the road.

Awareness signs and posters will be placed around the town as part of the campaign.

“One of the most important things cyclists can do to improve their own safety is to invest in high-visibility clothing and good quality front and rear lights.”

She says each town will run its own unique campaign which will involve a combination of media and “on the ground” promotions.

The promotions will include roving police and Be Bright ambassadors, who will target cyclists on popular commuting routes, at cyclist checkpoints and popular bike events.

Celia says it’s important for motorists to be on the lookout for cyclists.

“The combination of autumn weather conditions with decreasing daylight hours means all road users need to take extra care, especially around dusk, dawn and in weather when visibility is poor.”