Vital road safety initiative for island’s primary school pupils

We are lending our support to an initiative designed to encourage youngsters to be seen and safe during the darker months. We are sponsoring the Isle of Wight Council’s Brighten Your Bag road safety competition, which encourages pupils to get creative to ensure they are visible to road users whilst they are out-and-about. 

“As one of the island’s biggest road users, we know how important it is for pedestrians and cyclists to be seen during autumn and winter - particularly during the busy times when youngsters are travelling to-and-from school,” said Southern Vectis general manager, Richard Tyldsley. 

“Brighten Your Bag is a great initiative, which not only encourages creativity - but also brings road safety to the forefront of pupil’s minds. It’s vitally important they understand the importance of being seen - particularly at bus stops when waiting in the dark, now that daylight hours are reduced.

“The idea is for pupils to decorate their bags with fluorescent and reflective materials that can be seen by the island’s drivers. As sponsors, Southern Vectis is offering prizes - including a family ticket for the popular Christmas Lights bus tour and a 24-hour family rover bus ticket - for the most effective and creative bags. 

“We’re looking forward to seeing the entries, and wish all those taking part the best of luck with their designs.”

Brighten Your Bag is a road safety-themed competition for primary schools taking part in the Junior Travel Ambassador scheme. Pupils are invited to design a bright reflective school bag that would help them be seen by others when walking, scooting or cycling to school.

Lewis Campbell, road safety officer at Isle of Wight Council, added: “Thank you to Southern Vectis for sponsoring the Brighten Your Bag competition and supporting our efforts to promote road safety within Island schools. We’re looking forward to receiving entries!”

Primary schools wanting to sign up to the Junior Travel Ambassador scheme can find find out more by visiting iow.gov.uk/roadsafety