CYCLING

Cyclists Urged To Be Bright On Their Bikes

Be Bright cyclists! That’s the message for cyclists from Bike Wise, NZ Police, and Dunedin City Council as winter approaches and the days get shorter – and darker!

Dunedin is one of six cities around New Zealand (Auckland, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Wellington and Nelson are the others), which will focus on reducing cycling accidents and increasing awareness of cyclist safety through the “Be Bright” campaign, where cyclists will be reminded to light up their bikes and wear high-visibility clothing to help keep them safe on the road.

Cyclists’ visibility to other road users, especially during times of low light, is an essential part of their safety. The ‘Be Bright’ campaign will be launched on 14 May 2012.

Bike Wise, local bike shops and the NZ Police are promoting the use of lights and high visibility clothing in order to reduce risks to cyclists during low-light periods at dawn and dusk or in poor weather. Bike Wise is one of NZTA’s tools for the promotion of safer cycling under the national ‘Safer Journeys’ strategy.

Dunedin City Council’s ‘Be Bright’ campaign will involve checkpoints at key locations where Police will assess reflective gear and lights. Those that have adequate lights will be rewarded with a quick bike fix up. Cyclists who do not have adequate lights will be given a 14 day grace period to demonstrate to the Police that they obtained and fitted correct lights.