Do you run or cycle before sunrise or after dark? Are you travelling to work or school by e-bike, skateboard, bicycle or scooter?

The Tauranga City Council is encouraging the community to stay visible on the roads this winter by offering free reflective backpack covers from Monday, June 8, while stocks last.

The initiative, led by the Travel Safe team, is part of the annual Be Bright, Be Safe, Be Seen campaign, which reminds cyclists, walkers, runners and scooter riders to take extra care during darker mornings and evenings.

People who are out before sunrise or after dark are being urged to use lights, wear bright or reflective clothing, and take simple steps to increase visibility in low-light conditions.

“These covers are a simple way to increase visibility on darker winter mornings and afternoons, especially for children travelling to and from school,” Travel Safe team leader Sonia Lynds said.

She said small changes could make a big difference in preventing crashes and improving road safety.

As well as using reflective gear, road users are encouraged to stay alert around traffic and ensure bikes and scooters are fitted with working lights.

The Be Bright, Be Safe, Be Seen campaign is aimed at helping ensure everyone can travel safely and be seen on Tauranga’s roads throughout the winter months.

“As the days get shorter and darker, it’s more important than ever to stay visible on our roads,” Lynds said.

The free reflective backpack covers will be available for collection while stocks last from Tauranga City Council libraries from Monday.

To view the New Zealand code for cycling, go to: www.nzta.govt.nz/roadcode/code-for-cycling