Cyclists urged to brighten up as shorter days arrive

With the end of daylight savings and autumn settling in, the NZ Transport Agency and New Zealand Police are reminding cyclists to keep safe by brightening up on the roads.

In a bid to reduce cycling casualties the two agencies are introducing new a pilot campaign called Be Bright, which encourages cyclists to have suitable lights on their bikes and wear high-visibility clothing during low-light periods, such as at dawn and dusk, and in poor weather.

“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,” says NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) General Manager Access and Use Celia Patrick.

The campaign will be run in Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, Palmerston North and Nelson. Each area will run its own unique campaign that will involve a combination of media and ‘on the ground’ promotions. On the ground promotions include roving police and Be Bright ambassadors, who will target cyclists on popular commuting routes, at cyclist checkpoints and popular bike events.

Ms Patrick said it was also 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.”

The NZTA is promoting safer cycling under the national ‘Safer Journeys’ strategy to reduce the crash risk for cyclists, while at the same time encouraging an increase in cycling through safer roading infrastructure.

ENDS

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