Cyclists urged to be safe, seen and know the Highway Code.

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Cyclists and motorists in and around Inverness are being urged by The Highland Council and Police Scotland to consider cyclists’ safety as the clocks change.

This plea comes as a result of data recorded in and around central areas of Inverness1 which has seen an increase in cyclist accidents historically in the month of October.

Increased collisions with pedestrian and vehicles are considered to be related to the onset of darker evenings/mornings.

Allan Bryce, Highland Council’s Road Safety and Safer Routes to School Officer, said: “As we head quickly into the winter months and declining weather, we encourage cyclists to consider their personal safety and ask that they:

Leader of The Highland Council and cyclist Councillor Drew Hendry welcomed the advice, he said: “As a regular cycling commuter from Tore to Inverness I fully appreciate how important it is to take personal responsibility for your own safety. The Highland Council is fully committed to increasing cycling and reducing the Carbon Footprint of the Highlands through capital investments in infrastructure and supporting bike to work schemes, however we must also ensure that cycling is safe. 

“Our commitment to cycling and cycling safety is directly in alignment with Highland Council’s long term pledge of achieving a Carbon Neutral Inverness in a Low Carbon Highlands by 2025; Carbon CLEVER Highlands.”

Drivers are also being encouraged to be extra vigilant at all times around cyclists by ensuring that they leave enough space for their safety.  Pedestrians should take extra care when walking on shared use paths and look out for cyclists when crossing roads particularly in busy or built up areas.

Sergeant Mel Fowler, Police Scotland added: “When cycling at night it goes without saying to make yourself as visible as possible. A red tail-light should be only be fastened to the rear of the bike, on your backpack or an item of clothing which can be seen clearly from behind.
 
“Red lights are used in the same way that a car has red lights at the rear and white lights at the front. The purpose for this is to show road users, and pedestrians, if you're coming or going.
 
“Taking the shorter daylight hours into account, when parking your bicycle, try to do so in an area that is both public and well-lit and secure it to an immovable, stationary object using a strong bicycle lock.

“At this time of year we would also encourage drivers and motorcyclists to be more aware of cyclists and pedestrians during these longer night-time hours.”

29 Oct 2013