TAXI-DRIVERS WILL TAPE BICYCLES

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30737, 29 April 1965, Page 5

TAXI-DRIVERS WILL TAPE BICYCLES

(N.Z. Press Association) ROTORUA, April 28. Tokoroa’s taxi-drivers will stick pieces of red reflecting tape on the bicycles of about 1000 local school children tomorrow in a drive to reduce the danger of accidents at . night. The drivers are paying for and doing the job themselves , out of concern for the children’s safety. Their spokesman, Mr D. M. Wotherspoon, said today the idea arose from the drivers’ concern at the number of bicycles in the town which were not effectively lighted at ; night. Most of the bicycles had the standard reflectors, but these were often inadequate. “We telephoned the headmasters of the six Tokoroa J schools and they thought it. , was a good idea,” said Mr Wotherspoon. “The 14 drivers all dubbed in to pay for th* tape, which

is costing about £25. We are starting with about 300 ft of it.” Mr Wotherspoon said drivers with a day off tomorrow would visit the schools to fit the reflecting tape. Those on duty would apply tape to any bicycles they encountered in the streets. “It’s a community job that should be welcomed by the parents. We are hoping the idea will be adopted in other towns,” he said.