Chichester District Community Wardens light the way to safer winter cycling

Schoolchildren across the Chichester District are being encouraged to cycle more safely this winter thanks to a road safety initiative run by Chichester District Council.

The scheme, known as Operation Shine, has seen more than 80 free bike lights distributed since November. It is led by the council’s Community Wardens and is designed to improve cyclist visibility during the darker winter months, with a particular focus on children travelling to and from school.

Under UK law, cyclists are required to use lights from sunset to sunrise. Council officers say the initiative not only helps young riders comply with the law, but also reduces the risk of collisions by making cyclists easier for drivers and pedestrians to see.

As part of Operation Shine, Community Wardens have been visiting schools and community locations across the district. During these visits, they provide practical road safety advice and hand out free LED bike lights to children and other cyclists who may not already have them.

The council says the response so far has been very positive, with strong engagement from schools, parents and pupils. Officers hope to continue rolling out the scheme over the coming weeks to reach even more cyclists during the winter period.

“This safer cycling initiative has had a fantastic response so far, and we’re aiming to reach even more cyclists over the coming weeks,” says Cllr Tracie Bangert, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing at Chichester District Council. “It’s a simple idea that makes a big difference — helping riders stay safe on local roads and reducing the risk of accidents for all road users.”

After approaching the Chichester District Joint Action Group (JAG) with their idea, the council’s Community Wardens were granted funding, which was used to purchase 150 bike lights in total. Since November, the team have visited schools and community hubs — with schools in Selsey, East Wittering, and Tangmere among the first to benefit — and have handed out 80 sets of lights in that month alone.

“Last month, our Community Wardens organised a Brake Road Safety Event in Chichester, where our wardens, Barry, Jimmy, and Sue handed out over 40 lights. We will be holding another event next summer at East Wittering Primary School. This initiative isn’t just about road safety — it’s an opportunity for our Community Wardens to engage with the local community, raise awareness about key issues, and introduce themselves as a local resource,” Tracie adds.

“If you live in Chichester East and Whyke; Chichester West; Tangmere and Oving; Selsey; or The Witterings, you will probably have seen them in and around your area. Their work ranges from liaising closely with local police and dealing with environmental issues, to carrying out checks on older people or the vulnerable in their communities. They also develop community projects that are hugely beneficial for local people, and Operation Shine is a great example of this.

“If you see one of our friendly wardens out and about, make sure you say hello and find out more about the range of community projects they are delivering and supporting.”

People can find out more about the Community Wardens, at: www.chichester.gov.uk/communitywardens