Bike light giveaway helps cyclists stay visible
(Peterborough) – Safe cycling in fall will be the focus of two outreach events hosted by B!KE: the Peterborough Community Bike Shop later this month. On Tuesday, Oct 18 and Tuesday, Oct 25, staff and volunteers of the local biking organization will be offering free bicycle lights and tips about how to be more visible on the road while riding.
The “B!KE BRIGHT” events will take place Oct 18 at the Public Library on Aylmer St, and on Oct 25 on the Rotary Trail near the London St. footbridge. Both events will run between 5 and 7 pm.
“Cycling commuters and recreational bike riders can face additional hazards in the fall as daylight hours get shorter,” said Tahirih Rowshan-Lips, B!KE’s community education coordinator. “One of the most important ways to stay safe is to make sure you can be seen by drivers.”
The bike light giveaways are sponsored by the Peterborough Bicycle Advisory Committee as part of the volunteer committee’s education efforts around safe cycling in the city.
Cyclists in Ontario are legally required to have front and rear lights on from a half hour before sunset to a half hour after sunrise. Rowshan-Lips recommends cyclists carry a working set of lights with them at all times, or come get a set at one of the upcoming events. “It’s easy to get caught out on your bike past dark, especially in the fall and winter,” she said. “It’s in every rider’s best interest to have the equipment on hand to stay safe.”
In addition to giving away lights and offering other ideas for staying visible, the B!KE BRIGHT events will offer basic bike maintenance checks, help with route planning and information about cycling programs and resources in the city.
For more information contact:
Tahirih Rowshan-Lips, Community Education Coordinator
B!KE: the Peterborough Community Bike Shop
[email protected]
705-775-7227