SAFER CYCLING

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 180, 10 May 1939, Page 3

SAFER CYCLING

ADEQUATE LIGHTING NIGHT-RIDING HAZARDS PROTECTION FROM INJURY ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN Cyclists in Opotiki are to receive particular attention from State and borough traffic inspectors, with a view to enforcement of the regulations governing the use of bicycles at night. The recent large increase in the number of accidents in which cyclists have been involved lias attracted particular notice on the part of the transport authorities, and local bodies have been invited to co-operate in a campaign to enforce the observance of precautions. The approach of the winter months, when many thousands of people will use their bicycles in the hours of dawn and dusk, has aroused new anxiety to check the number of mishaps in which riders are concerned. It is pointed out that enforcement of the regulations is in the cyclists’ own interests, and that in particular the drivers of other road vehicles should be given every chance to distinguish cyclists at- night. In a. circular letter received by the Opotiki Borough Council from the Commissioner of Transport, Air. G. L. Laurenson, the assistance of the council in the conduct of the enforcement campaign is invited. Lights and Reflectors. The circular points out that under the regulations each machine must have affixed to it an adequate light, throwing its beam forward, and either a red lamp cv a reflector of approved type at the. rear, with the additional precaution of a white surface of at least 12 sguarc inches .displayed' to the rear, in a- position where it will not be obscured by the rider or bis clothes.

The regulations require that- cyclists should not ride more than two abreast. There are various other obligations outlined in the regulations covering the use of bicycles on the roads, these including the necessity to keep, as close to the left of the road as is- practicable, to give adequate notice by arm signals if proposing to turn to the right, and to abstain from using other vehicles fpr towing purposes.

Cyclists who do not make themselves fuliy conversant with the requirements of the regulations, and observe them closely, may expect to find themselves in difficulties with traffic inspectors, who have been advised to apply the regulations rigidly in an endeavour to lower the accident-rate among riders.