Shorter days and longer nights mean winter is here, so it’s important to be bright, be seen and be safe. If you’re doing the school run, walking the dog, going shopping or riding your bike in the dark then there are some simple things you can do to keep safe.

This winter Barnsley Bike Works are offering businesses free bike checks for their employees. They're also offering free bike lights to regular workplace commuters as part of this years 'Be Bright, Be Seen, Be Safe' campaign.

Here are a few key things to remember when walking or wheeling to work, school, or for leisure:

Walking or running in the dark:

• Walk in well-lit areas and walk on the pavement and paths, if you're walking with friends or in a group it’s easy to step into the road. Always make sure you're highly visible and alert while walking.
• Avoid wearing dark clothing. If you have reflective gear, wear it. You can get reflective stickers, clips and belts that help make you visible. These can be worn or hung on bags, zips and clothing. If you don’t have reflective gear, wear bright clothing such as neon or white.
• If you’re walking the dog then get them lit up too. You can buy illuminated collars, or even a small LED light that can clip on can help make your four legged friend visible and also means you know where they are!

Other things to consider:

• Mix up your times for walking and to take different routes. Don’t be predictable. Vary your route and your schedule. While the risk might be low in your community, its still a precautionary measure to help keep you safe if walking alone or with a friend.
• Team up and enjoy a walk and talk. Walking at night alone can be relaxing and allows for quiet reflection. However, once the sun goes down it is always safer to walk with a friend or a group.
• Make sure your phone is in your pocket when not used. This stops you dropping it or becoming distracted. It also makes you less vulnerable to getting it stolen.

Cycling in the Dark, Important Information:

• Longer nights means time to fit lights; if you ride on the roads and even the traffic free routes, lights can be a lifesaver. They allow other road users and pedestrians to see you and let you see where you are going and any hidden obstacles.
• Most cycles will have a red reflector on the back and a white reflector on the front. Keep these on your bike and keep them clean during the dark nights. Reflectors in your spokes are a good way for other road users to see you from the side. Tyre valve covers that are lights are also available.
• Wear fluorescent clothes in the daytime and reflective clothes in the dark.
• Be visible and be aware. Ride well clear of the kerb wear bright clothing and always uses lights after dark or in poor weather conditions.
• Show drivers what you plan to do; always look and signal before you start, stop or turn.
• Don’t wear earphones when riding your bike on the road. Hearing what’s happening in traffic or in general means you can focus on staying safe.
• Ride a straight line past parked cars rather than dodging between them. This allows motorists to overtake more safely.

Free winter bike check sessions for local businesses and their employees

Barnsley Bike Works are offering free winter bike checks for local businesses to make sure employees who cycle to work can keep cycling through winter. As well as free bike checks Bike works will be offering free lights to regular workplace commuters and advice on the best ways to keep riding through winter. If you're an employer who would like to book in a free winter Bike Works bike check session, email barnsleybikeworks@barnsley.gov.uk and one of the team will be in touch.