Winter is upon us, and this means dark and dangerous roads for the district’s cyclists. The Kāpiti Council and police are urging cyclists to take care by using reflective gear and lights.
Council’s road safety coordinator recently ran a two-week education campaign targeted at cyclists and reinforcing the importance of using lights and high visibility reflective clothing while cycling.
Police will now start a “blitz” to ensure ALL cyclists comply with these regulatory requirements.
“Unfortunately there are still cyclists who choose to ride their bikes in the dark without lights,” Council’s road safety coordinator, Jane Pearson said.
“This is dangerous and stupid. It makes it very difficult for cyclists to be seen by drivers, even when cyclists can see the cars or trucks, and it greatly increases the risk of accidents.
“While we support cycling as a great way to keep fit and be more mindful of the environment, cyclists must take responsibility for their visibility to other traffic and pedestrians and use lights at the front and back of their bikes,” Jane Pearson says.
The revised Road Code (2007 edition) states that all cyclists are legally obliged to have a steady or flashing rear-facing red light that can be seen from a distance of 100 metres and one or two steady or flashing white or yellow headlights that can be seen from a distance of 100 metres. Pedal reflectors or reflective clothing must also be used. Helmets also need to be worn,
Even during the day, cyclists should have lights and reflective gear if it is gloomy – and make sure they can be seen from front, back and sides. They should also remember to check their batteries regularly.
