Changing of Clocks a Time for Cyclists to Lighten Up

For immediate release - October 22, 1998

Hallowe'en. Darkness. They go together. Darkness also goes with danger.

"Too many cyclists are riding at dusk or night-time without lights and the situation will likely get more dangerous after the return to standard time this Sunday," according to Chris Bradshaw, Cycling Safety and Promotion Program Coordinator at Citizens for Safe Cycling.

"Cyclists, like trick-or-treaters, must use proper lights and reflectors to be safe on the streets after dark."

The statistics for cycling crashes after dark are scary. According to Ottawa-Carleton police accident reports, more than 10 per cent of car-bike collisions occurred after dark even though it is estimated that less than 2 per cent of bike trips occur during that time. The vast majority of these crashes involved cyclists not using proper lights and reflectors, riding on sidewalks, and failing to obey traffic signs and signals.

After the return to standard time this Sunday, the sun will be setting at 5 p.m. and earlier. Many trips now made in daylight at the end of the day may be made in darkness, turning bicycles into "dark-mobiles". Many employees and students will be cycling home after dark. Children who stay a short while after school or visit friends after school will now need to be prepared for that darkness.

Now is a good time for cyclists to get prepared for cycling safely after Sunday. Ontario law requires all bikes to have a red reflector on the rear, as well as white reflective tape on the front forks and red tape on the rear parts of the frame. A rear light is recommended. In addition, riders, from one-half hour before sunset, must use a suitable headlamp, battery-powered or generator-powered, visible from 150 metres. Cyclists should remember that they need to illuminate potholes, and pedestrians, especially on unlit recreational paths.

An additional measure is to wear outer clothing and footwear that has retro-reflective material, and to add retro-reflective material to clothing that lacks it, for both cycling and walking.

"Thousands of cyclists travel in darkness safely and without fear, year after year," said Bradshaw. "By simply using proper lights and reflectors and following the rules of the road you can continue to enjoy cycling, safely, extending the use of your bike beyond daytime and warm-weather periods."

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For more information on cycling safely at night, the legal responsibilities of cycling in Ottawa-Carleton and other safe cycling issues visit CfSC's web site at http://www.cfsc.ottawa.on.ca, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 567-1288.

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