Cyclists are encouraged to be bright in every sense of the word this winter.
The Dunedin City Council is launching a Be Bright campaign, aimed at ensuring cyclists are smart about their safety and wear high-visibility clothing.
The council initiative links in with national awareness by Bike Wise and the New Zealand Police.
As days get shorter, cyclists are more likely to be on the road in the dark.
Dunedin is one of six New Zealand cities actively focusing on the reduction of cycle accidents by increasing safety awareness.
The council's campaign includes the establishment of checkpoints at key locations where local police will assess cyclists' reflective gear and lights.
Those with adequate safety and high-visibility equipment will be rewarded with a quick bicycle fix-up, while those deemed unsafe will be given a 14-day grace period to obtain and fit appropriate lights.
Safety gear, including high-visibility bands and cycle bells, will also be given out.
Cyclists are required by law to have a red or yellow rear reflector visible from 100m, yellow pedal reflectors or high-visibility clothing and a white or yellow headlight visible from 100m.
Penalties for inadequate safety gear include fines of $55.
Each year in New Zealand, more than 300 cyclists require hospital care and about 10 die from road crashes, predominantly on major urban routes.
