Hastings ghostriders in the spotlight again

Police and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga staff will be keeping an eye out for ghostriders around the Hastings District in the latest iWay cycling campaign.

Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers says “The inaugural “Don’t be a Ghostrider” campaign ran last year and dozens of lighting and safety kits were distributed to cyclists. This year the campaign will again involve Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga but has been expanded to include the Police, who will help distribute a range of lighting and safety equipment to cyclists.”

Cynthia Bowers says “If you are riding at dusk, during the hours of darkness or in the early morning, it is important that you are easily seen by the drivers of vehicles. Some cyclists around Hastings are not obeying the simplest of rules; fit lights on the front and rear of your bike and wear bright or reflective clothing. Some cyclists don’t realise that without lights on a rainy night they can be nearly invisible to even the most careful driver, particularly during the dark winter months.”

“There are cyclists who promise themselves that they will only ride during daylight hours, but for many people, riding in the darker hours of the early morning or evening are a fact of life, particularly during the winter months when the hours of daylight are so much shorter. iWay, Police and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga are encouraging all cyclists to light up for their own safety.”

Police and iWay staff will have some lights, backpack covers and hi-viz clothing to give away to help reinforce the message that being visible during the hours of darkness is imperative for cyclists safety.

The “Don’t be a Ghostrider” project runs through until spring 2014. iWay is grateful for the support of Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga and the Police in helping make the “Don’t be a Ghostrider” campaign a success.

For further information on iWay initiatives go to www.iway.org.nz

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