LightUp campaign launched to highlight importance of being seen on the roads
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All road users being seen during the winter months is at the heart of a new national road safety campaign by Police Scotland and Cycle Law Scotland.
The #LightUp campaign has seen cyclists being given a pack of front and rear bicycle lights to ensure that they are visible to other road users, and it has also offered those involved the opportunity to engage with the public about keeping safe - whether they're a cyclist or not.
Also getting involved in the campaign are representatives from bus providers and haulage firms, with the campaign aiming to educate all road users about their respective responsibilities.
The campaign is also encouraging motorists to #LightUp so their vehicles are clearly visible to other road users and they are prepared for winter conditions.
It is important to understand your rights and responsibilities when on the road, which is part of the reason that this campaign has been launched.
From a cycling perspective, the law states that when you are on your bicycle between sunset and sunrise, it must be fitted with a white front light, a red rear light, a red rear reflector and amber or yellow pedal reflectors.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a Fixed Penalty Notice for £50, and it is considered in the same category as cycling the wrong way down a one-way street or jumping a red light.
Police Scotland's Sergeant Dominic Doyle said: “This campaign provides us with a good opportunity to speak to members of the public who use the road network and to highlight our respective responsibilities.
"Being easily visible to others and being alert to other road users whether you are a cyclist, pedestrian or driver, goes a long way to improving road safety.
“The majority of us will use several different modes of transport and so it is important to break down the ‘them and us’ mentality and instead all work together to promote road safety.”
Cycle Law Scotland's Jodi Gordon said: “We are delighted to be part of this important road safety campaign because on a daily basis we see the consequences of road traffic collisions between vulnerable road users and vehicles.
"Anything we can do to help educate road users and promote the legal requirement to #LightUp in order to see and be seen has got to be a good thing.”
