This is probably the worst time of year for cyclists, for accidents and near-accidents.
It can get so dark, so quickly, and so many cyclists I see on the roads, trails and sidewalks (!) are riding without a bike light.
It's the law in Ontario, under the Highway Traffic Act. You must have a forward-facing white light, that is attached to the bicycle — those helmet-mounted lights don't meet the letter of the law.
I know that many cyclists, when I speak to them about this, say, "Well, I don't ride at night."
In the late summer and early fall, night has a way of creeping up on you. The law says your illumination is required one half-hour before sunset and one half-hour after sunrise. Perhaps not so many cyclists are out one half-hour after sunrise, but it is so easy to be out one half-hour before sunset. The sun sets today at 7:23 p.m., which means if you are on your bicycle, you need a front light turned on at 6:53 p.m.
Yet how many people do that?
Be one of those who does.
Comments