10 June 2007
The engineering team at Sealords in Vickerman Street will be out fitting lights to staff bikes at 2pm tomorrow as the result of a joint council road safety initiative.
The colder weather is now upon us with darker mornings and evenings which make it harder to be seen for those out cycling or walking. Both Tasman District and Nelson City Council’s road safety coordinators are reminding cyclists to use lights and regularly check the batteries in them, and are also encouraging both cyclists and walkers to wear reflective clothing.
As part of a winter cycle visibility campaign both councils have distributed good quality front and back lights, and batteries. The giveaways have been very popular with nearly 600 have been distributed throughout the district direct to employers and at the world environment day breakfast. Stocks have been exhausted but more have been ordered to be distributed to people cycling to Ecofest in August. So there is no excuse for the regions cyclists not to be lit up this winter.
Sealords were supplied with lights to distribute to staff and the company is going the extra mile and attaching them to the bikes to ensure the lights are fitted correctly.
Working lights and hi-visibility gear are common sense at this time of year all cyclists but Road Safety Co-ordinator Krista Hobday reminds cyclists that it is a legal requirement to have a working rear red light and front white light, and rear red or yellow reflectors when riding at night. The lights must be seen from a distance of 100 metres and must be used during the legal hours of darkness (half an hour after sunrise and half an hour before sunset). The fine for not having working lights during these times is $55 per light.
As well as urging cyclists to be visible on their bikes, drivers also need to make an extra effort to watch out for cyclists. Drivers need to expect cyclists to be on the roads and to look twice before making decisions.
If you are keen on attending when these lights will be fitted please contact Ellie Harvey, Sealord HR Administrator, Phone 03 5391961 Ext 8961 so she can let their Gatehouse Security Officers know.
For more information contact Krista Hobday, Road Safety Coordinator, Tasman District Council, Ph 543 8551, or Margaret Parfitt Road Safety Coordinator, Nelson City Council, Ph 546 0390.
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