Lancaster City Council Urges Cyclists to be High Viz
Lancaster City Council’s Cycling Demonstration Town Project (CDT) is giving away high visibility vests to help cyclists stay safe this winter.
Lancaster City Council’s Cycling Demonstration Town Project (CDT) is giving away high visibility vests to help cyclists stay safe this winter.
With the clocks going back at the end of October, it is more important than ever that cyclists ensure they can be seen by other road and cyclepath users.
By law you must have at least two lights attached to your bike – a white light at the front and a red light at the rear. In addition, you must have an efficient red reflector at the rear.
Reflectors are very important so make sure that you have a white reflector on the front and fitted to your pedals. Lights should be used in all conditions of low light /darkness even whilst using off-road paths such as the Lancaster to Morecambe cycle path.
Top tips include:
Wear something fluorescent /bright to ensure you are seen during the day and something reflective at night. There's a whole range of accessories out there from fluorescent vests and jackets to ankle bands and Sam Browne belts (strips that go around you middle and over your shoulder).
Make yourself more visible by sticking reflective material/patches to your bag, helmet etc.
Cycle defensively. Watch out for joggers, walkers, other cyclists and cars - and make sure they know you're there. At night, cars approaching with their headlights on high beam can dazzle a rider, so be prepared.
Coun Eileen Blamire, cabinet member with responsibility for the CDT Project, said: "Accidents involving cyclists are rare and our excellent network of cycle paths means they are continuing to decrease.
"But that is no reason not to take precautions. By taking a few simple steps such as wearing reflective clothing and fitting the correct lights, cyclists can ensure they can be seen by other road /path users and reduce their risk of being involved in an accident."
To help local residents and their children stay safe this winter, Lancaster City Council has a limited stock of high viz vests to give away.
The following sizes are available: 7 - 9 yrs, 10 -12 yrs, Medium (38"), Large (42"), XLarge (45"), XXLarge (49"), XXX Large (52"), XXXX Large (55").
To claim your vest, contact the Cycling Demonstration Town Team with your name, contact number and size by e-mail to celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk. Alternatively you can telephone 01524 582392.
For more information on how to cycle safely both day and night, visit the ‘Getting Started’ section of the council’s cycling website: www.celebratingcycling.org, or email celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk.
Date Updated: 19/03/09