May 30th 2013

Hastings cyclists urged to light up

Cyclists are being urged to fit lights to their bikes to help keep them safe during the dark winter months.

Hastings District Council’s iWay project has launched the “Don’t be a Ghostrider” campaign which aims to have all riders light up for safety.

Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers says “If you are riding at dusk, during the hours of darkness or in the early morning, it is just so important that you are easily seen by the drivers of vehicles. Many cyclists around Hastings are not obeying the simplest of rules; fit lights on the front and rear of your bike and wear bright or reflective clothing.”

Cynthia Bowers says “Some cyclists don’t realise that without lights on a rainy night they can be nearly invisible to even the most careful driver. In addition, good lights can make it easier for pedestrians to notice the cyclist, reducing the likelihood of a collision.”

“There are cyclists who promise themselves that they will only ride during daylight hours, but for

many people, riding in the darkness of the early morning or evening is a fact of life, particularly during the winter when the daylight hours are so much shorter. iWay and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga are encouraging all cyclists to light up for their own safety.”

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga has joined the “Don’t be a Ghostrider” campaign and is approaching cyclists who are riding without lights at night with an offer to fit free bike lights. Cyclists can also enter the “Don’t be a Ghostrider” competition where you could win a brand new Merida Crossride bike and lighting rig. To enter the draw, just fill in the form that is available from Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga or the Hastings District Council Service Centre in Lyndon Road.

Entries in the competition close on winter’s longest night, Friday June 21st 2013.

For more information on “Don’t be a Ghostrider” and other iWay projects go to www.iway.org.nz.

iWay is helping make walking and cycling an easier choice for everyone and by becoming a little less car dependent, Hastings will be a better place to live for everyone.

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