Walkers and cyclists urged – Be smart, Be safe, Be seen

30 May 2018 11:23 AM -

Leeton Shire Council is reminding cyclists and pedestrians to wear high visibility clothing or reflective material to ensure that they are seen by drivers and other road users.

Leeton Shire Council Road Safety Officer, Steph Puntoriero says, “In our Shire we have a large number of people who walk and cycle for health and leisure in the early morning and evening. In the winter months these times of day become more dangerous when walking on roads due to poor natural light. I would urge walkers to try and use our shared cycle and footpath network where possible to take them off the roads and to use a touch to avoid a fall.”

“In areas where a footpath is not available people should wear high visibility clothing or reflective material and keep to the side of the road and walk facing oncoming traffic.  These simple steps will help drivers see you well in advance and give you room on the road side.

Children walking or cycling to school or waiting at rural bus stops would also benefit from the use of reflective clothing.”

Cyclists, skateboarders and walkers are all urged to wear reflective, high visibility clothing in the winter months to prevent collisions with motor vehicles and other road users.  More than half of pedestrian fatalities occur in darkness or dusk.