As daylight saving ends 'Be Safe Be Seen' is the key message from Waipa District Council to cyclists and pedestrians.
"It's critically important that cyclists and pedestrians make themselves visible to motorists especially in poor and low light conditions such as early mornings and from late afternoon" said Waipa Districtroad safety Co-ordinator Megan Jolly.
High visibility clothing is a simple but effective way of being seen in low light conditions. Wear bright clothing during daytime hours and clothing with reflective material after dark. Another safety tip is to apply reflective tape to your backpack or helmet to increase your visibility.
"Cyclists, just like motorists, are legally obliged to display lights during the hours of darkness and during times of poor visibility. Front lights must be white and the rear lights red. It is recommended that cyclists have the rear red light in flashing mode, as this is the best mode for attracting attention".
Ms Jolly hopes that responsible parents of children who cycle to school will invest in a good set of bike lights.
"School students are often riding in a dark school uniform and often have a dark back pack.
"Motorists just don't see them easily. Reflectorised back-pack covers or hiz-viz vests and jackets are other great ways of increasing cyclist visibility to other road users."
Now is also a great time for cyclists to check that bike reflectors on the back of their bike are clean, and lights have new batteries. Often crashes involving cyclists occur during turning manoeuvres so side on visibility can be improved with spoke reflectors.