500 bike lights for safer cyclists

Safer cycling received a boost at Tahuna Normal Intermediate today when students that cycle to school were given bike lights as part of an AA-funded winter safety promotion.

In partnership with the Dunedin City Council and NZ Police, the Automobile Association (AA) is distributing 500 sets of bike lights to Dunedin schools. The DCC reached out to intermediate and secondary schools asking them to identify students who would benefit from this initiative.

As well as distributing bike lights, the AA, the DCC and NZ Police School Community Officers will provide information about helmet safety and the importance of being seen and cycling safely.

Funding of $15,000 was donated by the Otago Motor Club Trust to the AA to provide bike lights to schools and the community throughout Otago.

DCC Road Safety Education Coordinator Aukje van Aalst says, “Together, we identified that Dunedin intermediate and secondary schools would have students who cycle year-round and who would benefit from a targeted road safety education initiative. Tahuna Intermediate put its hand up as having a large cohort of students commuting by bike.”

AA spokesperson Malcolm Budd says, “With winter approaching and shorter daylight hours, it’s important that our cycling community stays visible during the darker commuting times. This is a great opportunity to work with our partners on a road safety initiative for vulnerable road users. Our thanks to the DCC and NZ Police for helping out.”

In Dunedin, any lights remaining from the giveaway will go to cycling groups such as Crooked Spokes and the general public.

Mr Budd offers this handy tip, “The AA is not just about cars, it’s all about mobility. So, cyclists if you are a member of the AA and your bike malfunctions when you’re out riding, you can ring the AA rescue service and a mechanic will come out and help you.”

Still didn't find what you were looking for?