Discount vouchers offering 25 per cent off bike lights are now available at the Council’s Civic Offices on Tuam Street (ground floor reception), Libraries, Service Centres and other facilities.

The vouchers are part of a campaign being run by the Council and the Land Transport Safety Authority to encourage cyclists to be as visible as possible at night. The vouchers can be used at participating cycle shops.

Christchurch City Council cycling and pedestrian transport planner Michael Ferigo says cyclists who ride at night without lights are a danger to themselves and other road users.

“A poorly lit bike makes it difficult for motorists to see cyclists and you’re far more likely to be involved in an accident. If you’re caught without lights, you face a minimum $55 fine.” By law, cyclists are required to have their bike lights on during the legal hours of darkness — from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise — and at any other time when there is not enough light to see 100m.

The campaign runs until 7 June or while stocks last. Mr Ferigo says cyclists should also ask cycle shops, or look up the LTSA website www.ltsa.govt.nz to make sure that their bike lights comply with legal requirements.