Be Safe by Being Bright

Cyclists and pedestrians are being urged wear something bright and reflective during the gloomy autumn and winter months.

British Summer Time ends on 28 October, and Bury Council’s road safety team knows that a combination of dark nights and bad weather can be dangerous, especially during peak travelling times.

The team will launch its annual “Be Safe, Be Seen” campaign at Bury Light Night on Saturday 20 October. Officers will be giving out advice and various items such as reflective and fluorescent bags, armbands, magnets and spoke reflectors.

Jan Brabin, senior road safety officer, said: “If road users wear or attach something reflective to their clothes, they can be seen up to three times more than if they wear non-reflective materials. This gives drivers a chance to see other road users and more importantly the chance to react to them.”

 The team will also be at the Vue cinema complex on The Rock on Wednesday 24 October from 10am to 2pm.

“Be Safe, Be Seen” top tips:

• Choose a well-lit route.
• Bright or fluorescent clothes work best during the day, especially in dull or misty weather.
• Reflective material is the best for night time and will show up in car headlights.
• It is against the law to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back, so make sure your bike is fully equipped.

For more details, visit www.bury.gov.uk/bury/roadsafety

The Department for Transport’s child road safety website can be found at http://talesoftheroad.direct.gov.uk/

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 October 2012.