Free bike lights & hi-vis gear for cyclists over winter months

SAFETY MESSAGE: Councillor Mark Ieronimo with Caitlynne Picot, travel plan officer (business), with a hi-vis rucksack cover and bike lights that will be given to cyclists

By Simon Bristow

Cyclists in Hull are being offered the chance to get free lights and hi-vis rucksack covers as the city council continues its Bike Lights for Dark Nights initiative.

The next giveaways will be in the Beverley Road and Clough Road areas on Tuesday, November 14, from 4pm to 6pm, and between the same times in Holderness Road on Tuesday, November 28.

Dozens of cyclists took advantage at six previous events at locations across the city earlier this year, with 179 sets of bike lights being issued and 156 hi-vis rucksack covers distributed.

The council partnered with R-evolution, Pearson Park Mosque, Case Training, and the University of Hull to receive equipment for allocation.

Funded by Safer Roads Humber, the project identifies and supports poorly illuminated cyclists by providing free bike lights and reflective gear, with the aim of reducing collisions on the city’s roads.

Staff from the council and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service will be hosting a series of ‘pop-up’ events across Hull over the winter months to help cyclists who are not well illuminated to stay safe and seen.

There will be a particular focus on key travel routes and busy junctions in and around the city centre.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways at Hull City Council, said: “With the number of people in our city choosing to cycle increasing, we as a council are committed to making the roads safe for everyone during these dark nights.

“It is very important that cyclists are as visible as possible and that all members of the travelling public look out for each other.

“This project is not about ‘catching people’ or ‘telling them off’ for not having lights, it is about helping cyclists stay safe and stay seen on the roads.

“When we ran the first phase of this initiative in January, we received really positive feedback from those we helped, and the team is looking forward to engaging with cyclists again over the coming months.”

Ruth Gore, spokesperson for Safer Roads Humber, said: “We are delighted to support this project and remind cyclists that they must, by law, have cycle lights. We also encourage riders to ‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ and to wear a cycle helmet.

“It is important that we are responsible for our own safety when using the region’s roads, however, we ask drivers to take an extra look for those on two wheels, especially around junctions. It’s about sharing the road.”

As part of the initiative, the team will also be visiting some of the city’s largest workforces, including at Hull Royal Infirmary and the university, to provide bike lights and reflective wear to staff.

For the latest on cycle lighting regulations, read the guide from Cycling UK.