Cyclists encouraged to light up and be seen

LOCAL road safety advocacy group, RoadSafe North East (RSNE), is urging road cyclists to ensure they are highly visible during the day and night, especially over the darker winter months. Bike riders need to use front and rear lights when riding in low visibility conditions or at night, so they are visible to other road users. Australian road rules state that cyclists must display a front white light and rear red light visible from at least 200 metres away. RSNE spokesperson John Weinert said that a simple on-off flashing sequence makes bike lights noticeable to other road users, and helps them understand there is someone riding a bike up ahead. He said the best spots to attach lights are on handlebars and seat post, which sets the lights at a height most visible to other road users. "Lights attached to bags or clothing often end up facing the wrong direction, while lights on helmets are less visible to drivers and can also be a menace to other bike riders,” Mr Weinert said. Recent findings from a Bicycle Network study revealed that fluorescent clothing and in particular, leggings were very effective in increasing a rider’s visibility, due to the pedalling motion. The report confirmed the powerful visibility impact of fluorescent and/or reflective ankle bands fitted to bike riders. The study is one of a number to report that drivers recognise bike riders with the leggings much earlier and at further distances than other visibility aids. Bicycle Network has long recommended reflective ankle bands as a powerful visibility enhancement at night, and now there is convincing evidence that they are also effective during daylight.

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