Five hundred lights will be handed out to Whanganui cyclists, runners and walkers following the success of last year’s Be Bright, Be Seen campaign.

The winter campaign is a partnership between Whanganui District Council, Horizons Regional Council, Whanganui Police, Let’s Go and bike groups to ensure those out and about during the season’s darker mornings and evenings are more visible to other road users.

Green Bikes, the Whanganui Bike Users Group and Whanganui bike shops are also backing the Be Bright, Be Seen message.

Last year the 250 sets of LED lights could be picked up from several collection points. This year the campaign will specifically target those out cycling, running and walking during the darker mornings and evenings, with front-line Police staff and the Let’s Go team handing out free lights and flyers to those who need to be more visible.

Sergeant Craig Yorston says Whanganui Police are pleased to be working with other partner agencies to collectively improve the safety of people on our roads, footpaths and shared pathways.

“This partnership initiative is an opportunity to prevent harm because, ultimately, New Zealand Police want everyone to be safe and feel safe.”

Horizons Regional Council road safety co-ordinator Te Ora Nyman is also supportive.

“Whanganui has a cycling community that not only cycles to work and school but also cycles for pleasure and exercise and this campaign will promote their visibility.”

Let’s Go is a Whanganui District Council-led programme to promote walking, cycling and scootering as safe travel choices with education programmes held throughout Whanganui schools.

The campaign runs until the end of July 2019.