Being visible is one of the best ways to stay safe on our roads and students at Leithfield School will have no trouble being seen thanks to a new initiative.
Safe cycling – BE SAFE BE SEEN is giving Hurunui students who bike or ride to school their own set of USB rechargeable LED bike lights.
It is a collaboration between AA Canterbury/West Coast District Council, Hurunui District Council and Police, with funding generously provided by Christchurch-based engineering consultants Davis Ogilvie.
School Community Officer Ken Terry was at Leithfield School last Friday to help distribute the lights and talk to students about the importance of being visible on our roads.
“We love seeing kids biking and riding to school - it helps build confidence and it’s great for health and wellbeing too,” says Ken. “But more than anything we want them to be safe.
“As well as giving out the bike lights, we talked to the kids about the clothing they wear and other aspects of road safety too.
“Parents and caregivers probably won’t want to hear this, but it won’t be long before these kids are behind the wheel. We’re starting a conversation and a focus on road safety that will hopefully continue throughout their teenage years as well.”
Ken also has a message for motorists: “Children can be unpredictable, so remember to leave plenty of room if you’re passing - at least 1.5 metres.”