Be Safe Be Seen
Its not just drivers that have to look out for other road users. Play your part in Road Safety
Over the month of May WRSC have been working with Wairarapa’s 5 town libraries handing out reflective “KIT”....Still some gear available while stocks last.
General tips for safe walking
• Use pedestrian crossings or cross at traffic signals.
• Check for moving vehicles at every driveway.
• Walk on the footpath, close to the houses and away from the road.
• Hold hands if walking with a young child near roads or in carparks.
• Be courteous when you’re travelling faster than those around you (e.g. if you’re in a wheelchair, running, riding a scooter or skateboard, or skating). When passing others on the footpath, leave enough room that you don’t scare them or put them in danger.
For more information - nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-publictransport/ walking/walking-in-new-zealand/how-to-stay-safe-whenwalking/
Visibility & Lighting Our Selves Up
Reflective Wear is best for safe cycling, running and walking in low light conditions.
Wear bright clothing during the daytime hours and reflective material after dark, to be safe and be seen.
Applying reflective tape to your backpack, ankles, helmet or bike is a simple and effective way to
increase your visibility when the days are shorter.
For more information - www.gw.govt.nz/bikelights/
CYCLISTS
Cycling is great fun and an excellent way to get around. Here are a few simple tips to stay safe when sharing the road.
• Be aware – watch for car doors opening, potholes, rubbish, grates, and pedestrians. Always check for left turning vehicles.
• Be predictable – maintain a straight line, use hand signals and a bell.
• Be seen – make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians, ride at least one metre out from parked cars, and take the lane when appropriate.
• Be safe – follow the road rules and choose the safest route.
• Be bright – at night, use lights front and rear, and wear reflective items.
• Be patient – slow down near parked or lined up vehicles, pass slowly and only when safe. On shared paths, slow down and use one ring of your bell towarn pedestrians before you pass, cycle with courtesy.
• Be prepared – wear an approved helmet and check your bike regularly, including brakes, tyres, chain, lights, and reflectors.
For more information - nzta.govt.nz/safety/walking-cycling-scooters/cycling/
SKATEBOARDS & SCOOTERS
Riding on the road is dangerous so we strongly recommend using rollerblades, skates, scooters or skateboards on the footpath. An even better option for children of any age is to encourage them to use facilities such as skate parks – it’s much safer for everyone.
• Wear a helmet and safety gear such as wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, and closed shoes and brightly coloured clothing.
• Use scooters, skateboards and rollerblades in places set aside specifically for their use such as skate parks and playgrounds in your local area.
• Practise riding skills away from traffic.
For more information - nzta.govt.nz/safety/walking-cycling-scooters/skates-scooters-and-skateboards/
MOBILITY SCOOTERS & WHEELING
Mobility vehicles are light and offer you no protection. This makes you vulnerable if you go onto the road. Where possible we recommend you stay off the road, but if you must use the road:
• Wear bright clothing.
• Make your vehicle more visible, for example by attaching a flag.
• Be aware when riding on a mobility scooter that loose and long clothing may get caught in the tyres and could potentially cause the rider serious or fatal injury.
For more information - https://nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/low-powered-vehicles/mobility-scooters/
Road Safety is everyone’s responsibility -BE SAFE BE SEEN
FREE CYCLE SKILLS TRAINING IN THE WORK PLACE
For more information- www.pedalready.org.nz/workplaces-adults
Saturday 1st of May 2021