This week, the Otago Automobile Association (AA) began the second year of its campaign to hand out 700 sets of bike lights to Dunedin primary school pupils.
They handed out and fitted 75 bike lights at Tahuna Normal Intermediate School yesterday.
Since starting at Tahuna this year, James has biked 20 minutes to and from school most days of the week.
He enjoyed the exercise and really liked when he got a tail wind so he could whizz down Portobello Rd from his home in Vauxhall.
However, some days he cycled home after rugby practice at 6pm when it was "completely dark".
"Yeah, I’ll be using the gear. It’s pretty dark coming home."
"It's important that safety is provided and that the kids are actually seen when riding their bikes."
They were distributing the bike lights throughout Otago.
He said the AA was originally all about motoring, but now they were focused on all types of mobility, including cycling.
"It's really hard to see cyclists, particularly if they're wearing dark clothing - you've got to be visible."
The bike light programme was made possible through work with the New Zealand Police and support from the Dunedin City Council.
The Otago Motor Club Trust provided financial support to the tune of $15,000.
