Bright lights on bikes - BE SAFE BE SEEN

It’s not quite Christmas season, but you’ll see a significant twinkle around some of the schools in the Hurunui District this winter and into the future.

Safe cycling – BE SAFE BE SEEN is a collaboration between AA Canterbury, Hurunui District Council, West Coast District Council, and the New Zealand Police.

Last Friday at Leithfield School children received a set of USB rechargeable white and red (front and back) LED lights to use when they are on their bikes and scooters.

Mark White, Advice Chair for the AA Canterbury West Coast District Council, said the goal of BE SAFE BE SEEN is to make sure children can be clearly always seen easily and clearly, as they commute to and from school, and whenever they are using wheeled transport.

He added that it is thanks to the generous monetary donation from Christchurch-based engineering consultants Davis Ogilvie and Partners Ltd that 500 sets of LED lights are available to hand out at schools.

“It’s not just lights that make our young people safe, it’s about wearing bright clothes, and being sensible.”

White said the power of playground chit chat cannot be ignored either.

“Children talk to each other, these good habits we encourage can be passed on verbally.”

Ken Teri, Senior Constable and School Education Officer, encourages parents and caregivers to bike with their children as they form confidence.

“Remember, children can be unpredictable. Drivers need to remember to give plenty of room as they pass, at least 1.5 metres.”

Leithfield School principal Rob Cavanagh said it was fantastic to see such great support for ensuring the safe commute of Leithfield School children.

“Children bike from Leithfield Beach too, it’s not just around the village, so it’s very important they can keep themselves safe and can be seen.”

Leithfield School has the highest proportion of children on bikes in the Hurunui District, with about 30% of the school’s roll using wheels to get to and from school.

Hurunui District Council’s Road Safety Coordinator Dean Eades believes this campaign has fantastic benefits for the Hurunui District and all its road users.

He said the good habits children learn now, such as using lights and wearing highly visible clothes, will help prepare them for the future.

“When they progress to driving, they be aware of young people on bikes, scooters and even walking, and will see the importance of using headlights, day and night, on their own vehicles.”

White hopes this campaign will become a nationwide initiative.

“It’s a good start, spreading the message amongst these youngsters.”

Broomfield School also received a visit last Friday, a great opportunity to listen and learn about how to get safely to and from school.

BE SAFE BE SEEN will be making its way around the District to other schools throughout the year.

Photo: Leithfield School children (L-R) Zena, Riley and Leo receive their lights.