Campaign to promote safe cycling

Press, 11 June 1984, Page 9

Campaign to promote safe cycling

The Automobile Association (Canterbury) is embarking on a big new campaign to enchanee the safety of cyclists. It is the first time the Automobile Association has dealt specifically with cycling, although it has long been involved in safety areas and in campaigns reaching all road users. The campaign has three aims: to increase safety awareness among cyclists, especially those in the younger age group, to increase consciousness among drivers of the problems cyclists face, and to enhance availability and use of safety equipment for cyclists. Stage one of the campaign will be launched today. It is based on a competition running until August 10. A second stage will be held in 1985. The competition offers six

Tarim Monza 10-speed cycles as prizes and is open to all pupils of intermediate and secondary schools in Canterbury and the West Coast. It invites them to produce safety ideas in six catergories. The aim is to encourage young people to think about cycle safety. The categories of design are the best idea to improve cycle lighting, the best idea to enhance awareness of cyclists on the road. The best original idea for a new safety feature for cycles and cyclists, and a cycle safety helmet design, in three basic outlines, flat hemisphere (pudding basin), semi jet (part covering the ears) and jet (fully covering the ears). The entries will be judged by a pane] comprising representatives of the AA, Ministry of Transport, Accident Compensation Corporation, Master Cycle Traders and Star Products Ltd.