Be bright, be safe, be seen

Be bright, be safe, be seen

The end of daylight saving means it is time for cyclists to dust off their lights and add a bit of fluorescence to their riding wardrobe.

Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) chair Bevan Woodward said as the days get shorter, cyclists need to get brighter.

“Lights and high-visibility riding gear make you easier to see,” said Mr Woodward.

Cycling fatalities have declined over recent years despite bike sales on the increase. Mr Woodward said it could have something to do with cyclists embracing the culture of being seen.

“The great thing about being well-lit is that drivers have plenty of time to give room to the cyclist when overtaking. A clearance of a metre and a half is recommended by the Road Code,” he adds.

He advises people to check their batteries as they may need charging or replacing.

“Be bright, be safe, be seen,” is Mr Woodward's key message.

The NZ Road Code says that bikes and cyclists out at night must have:
a steady or flashing rear-facing red light
a steady or flashing forward-facing white or orange light
a rear reflector on the bike
reflectors on pedals, or reflective clothing.

Daylight saving ends on Sunday 4 April, when clocks go back one hour.

ENDS

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