With the clocks going back this weekend, Brighton & Hove City Council is promoting and supporting safer roads during the dark winter months.
Road safety officers will be stationed in the city next week, reminding cyclists to use lights, talking to them about cycle safety and giving out things like hi-vis vests, reflective slap bands and rucksack covers.
They’re also asking drivers to take extra care and reminding pedestrians that they may be harder to see in the dark.
Officers will be working with volunteers from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police to engage with road users during evening hours.
The aim of the activities is to reduce the risks of death and serious injury on the city’s roads.
Cllr Trevor Muten, chair of the Transport and Sustainability committee, said: “As the nights draw in, many of our journeys may now be made in low light and poor visibility.
“Use the clocks going back as an opportunity to check your bike lights are working and make sure you have the hi-vis and reflective items you might need to keep cycling safely.
“When you’re cycling in the dark, be aware of your surroundings, stick to well-lit routes and stay alert to other road users and pedestrians who might not all be as visible as you are.
“If you own a bike or make regular use of the Beryl BTN bike share scheme, please take advantage of the road safety team’s events and go along to pick safety items to make sure you are seen and safe this winter.”
Beryl BTN Bikes lighting up the city
This winter will be the first since the launch of the city’s Beryl BTN Bikes.
Each bike will be lighting the way thanks to an invention by Beryl co-founder and University of Brighton graduate Emily Booke MBE.
Emily invented the ‘laser light’, which is fitted to each Beryl BTN Bike.
The light is designed to make riders more visible to drivers and pedestrians by projecting a bike symbol six metres in front of the cyclist.
Comment on this story