Be Switched on day and night
Norfolk County Council's Road Safety Team secured additional funding to continue the 'Be Switched On campaign'. Our aim is to improve the visibility and safety of young people who cycle across the county.
Why This Campaign Matters
Cycling is a healthy, sustainable way to travel. But to stay safe being visible is essential both during the day and at night. It is particularly important to be visible in low-light conditions.
Research shows that using bike lights in daylight can significantly reduce the risk of collisions. A Danish study found a 19% drop in crashes when cyclists used lights during the day.
As the evenings get darker earlier, using lights at night becomes not just smart but a legal requirement.
What's Happening in Norfolk
Thanks to funding from the Norfolk Safety Camera Partnership, in 2024 we distributed over 2,100 free bike light sets to pupils who completed their Bikeability Level 2 training. This supports their transition to independent and safer travel as they move to high school.
The campaign will continue for the next three years. In partnership with Bicycle Links, we will be providing bike lights to even more children who complete their level 2 Bikeability across Norfolk. This is thanks to additional funding secured by Public Health's Road Safety Team and the Bikeability Trust.
The campaign encourages young people to:
- Use bike lights consistently, day and night
- Understand their role as road users, and how visibility affects their safety
- Build safe habits early, especially as they begin travelling independently
But it's not just about cyclists - drivers have a role to play too.
We remind drivers to:
- Look out for people who cycle, especially children and young people
- Slow down and give space when overtaking
- Stay focused and avoid distractions. This is very important during school runs when young, less experienced cyclists are likely to be on the road
Improving cycle visibility helps but driver behaviour is just as important in keeping vulnerable road users safe.
What steps can you take?
Parents and carers
- Support your child by checking their bike lights
- Encourage safe cycling habits
Schools
- Promote the campaign
- Book Bikeability
- Where eligible, help distribute bike lights and educational materials
All drivers
- Be switched on
- Look out
- Slow down
- Share the road with care
Let's help young cyclists be switched on because being seen means being safe.
