Lighting up for safety – free lights for bikes

Published by Jon Land for Regenda Housing Group in Housing and also in Health

When a young Limehurst resident was seriously hurt after being run over whilst on his bike, the young people of that area of Oldham felt that road safety was a major concern and set about trying to help change this. The lack of lights on children’s bikes was a serious contributing factor to accidents on the estate.

Local landlord, Limehurst Village Trust, part of The Regenda Group, worked with Unity Partnership, Contour Housing and Gremlins Cycle Centre to fit front and rear light sets, free of charge, to all the bikes of local children aged 9 to 15.

In addition, cycling proficiency sessions are being organised in local schools aiming to broaden young people’s safe cycling skills.

Verity Mason, Neighbourhood Officer for The Regenda Group explained; “By providing these free bike lights, we aim to increase children’s safety within this community.”

Steve Whitehouse from Unity Partnership said; “We want to encourage children and young people to cycle and to have active and healthy lifestyles. At the same time, it is important they are aware of road safety issues. Bike lighting and visibility are essential requirements for cycling safety.”