Lights On Bikes - Cyclist Safety

New Zealand Police Canterbury News Release
8:56am 1 August 2008
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release.html?id=4190

The safety of secondary school students cycling in the mornings has caught the eye of Christchurch Police.

"We see a lot of students on these dark, cold mornings with their head down and heavily wrapped up - but often with out lights or reflectorised jackets," says Inspector Derek Erasmus. "These mornings we have real concerns for students who are often wearing dark school uniforms and jackets and often no functioning lights on their cycle either."

Police will be approaching secondary schools over the next few months to talk over this issue.

Parents are asked to ensure their children wear appropriately bright clothing and have working lights on their bikes. Simple reflector strips or a bright jacket/vest are easily obtained.

"Many students leave home early so please make sure your kid is easily seen - so they come home again safely."

Inspector Erasmus says that cyclists need to maintain their awareness of other traffic particularly as many have head gear that can muffle sound and some also use i pods and radios.

"We want everyone to get home safely - this is a shared responsibility between cyclists and drivers."

ENDS

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