Be Bright, Be Seen, Be Safe is the key message from City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council during Cycle to School Week, 23 to 27 September.
Getting to school safely, especially as the nights are now getting darker, is one of the most important things taught in schools, through the Bikeability and pedestrian training sessions which take place throughout the year.
Those who run the training sessions are joining forces with the York and North Yorkshire safeguarding children’s teams, to raise awareness of the importance of children wearing cycle helmets, bright clothing and putting on their bike lights.
Cllr Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said:
Cycling can be so much fun. It brings independence and it’s a fantastic way of building exercise into everyone’s day and improving health.
“As the nights draw in it’s important to be visible on your cycle. Wearing bright clothes, using cycle lights after dusk and wearing a helmet will help to keep everyone safe. And drivers also need to play a role: driving responsibly, using mirrors to check for cyclists before turning, and giving cyclists at least 1.5 metres space when passing.”.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Keane Duncan, who is also the council’s road safety and cycling and active travel champion, said:
We know parents are keen for their children to get out and about on their bikes, but we are also aware they have legitimate concerns about their safety, especially as winter draws in.
”We want to improve road safety across North Yorkshire and this campaign can play a part in that overall aim by informing families and road users of the need to be vigilant as the nights get darker.”
Jason McAleese from Modeshift, who deliver the Active Travel Ambassador programme in secondary schools across York and North Yorkshire, said:
Cycling safety is crucial. If we want young people to embrace more active and sustainable ways of traveling to and from school, they must feel both safe and confident. With our support these Active Travel Ambassador schools lead the way by researching and developing behaviour change campaigns that prioritise active travel and road safety.
If you're interested in having the Active Travel Ambassador programme at your secondary school, email: jason@modeshift.org.uk
Visit iTravelYork for cycling tips or to find out more about the cycle training.