LOCAL children are being urged by a cartoon safety character called Skooter to take extra care on their bikes as daylight hours shorten and winter approaches.

The 'Be Seen, Be Safe' message is being promoted by Centra and the DOE as part of their Cycling Proficiency Scheme campaign and aims to improve childrens' road safety after the clocks go back an hour this Sunday, October 28.

Skooter is a cartoon cat featured in the Road Safety Teaching Aid Calendar issued by DOE free of charge to every classroom and primary school in Northern Ireland. Children in nursery and primary schools will be familiar with the character.

The Cycling Proficiency Scheme is a DOE initiative sponsored by Centra, which supports 86 independently owned convenience stores in Northern Ireland. The retailer provides financial and practical support, including help with marketing the scheme to maximise uptake among schools.

Centra Brand Manager Nicky Kelly commented, "The safety of young people on the roads during the winter months is a priority for us all. That is why Centra is proud to support the DOE in promoting this important road safety message to help children avoid serious injury while cycling."

Carol Wilkinson, Manager of DOE's Road Safety Education Officer Service, emphasised that children need to be highly visible to ensure that they can be seen by drivers on dark winter evenings.

She explained, "As the nights draw in many children will be cycling home from school or taking to their bikes to visit friends in the dark. Darker evenings bring an increased risk to children cycling on our roads.

"We are reminding children and their parents of the need to 'Be Seen, Be Safe'. Make sure that proper lights are fitted to cycles – it is a legal requirement – and that your child wears reflective or bright clothing. It could save your child's life. The Be Seen, Be Safe message is emphasised by Skooter in the Road Safety Teaching Aid Calendar provided by DOE for use by teachers in the classroom."

The DOE says the following items provide the best visibility for children in dark conditions:

* Bright/light coloured clothing

* Reflective belts and stickers on jackets and bags

* A full white beam on the front and full red beam on the back of cycles

* A clean rear reflector

* Reflectors on spokes and pedals

* Reflective tyres

For information on the Cycling Proficiency Scheme telephone 028 9054 0540.