pbrown@mollp.com
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With the arrival of the fall season, days are shorter, leaving numerous cyclists caught in the dark on their commute home from work. Basic steps can be taken to increase visibility and reduce dangerous situations.
The McLeish Orlando team took to the Toronto streets recently to promote Cycle Toronto’s Get Lit! campaign. The campaign is aimed toward educating the public on safe cycling at night.
Under Ontario law, cyclists must have a rear red light or reflector and a front white light shining 30 minutes before sundown and 30 minutes before sunrise. Lights and reflective clothing are imperative for cyclist safety when biking at night. As a part of the Get Lit! Campaign, McLeish Orlando, McKellar Structured Settlements and Norco Bicycles provided cyclists with the proper bike lights and made aware of the dangers of cycling at night.
Here are a few other tips on making your cycling commute home even safer:
• Map your route: plan your route in advance, find out whether there are bike lanes and see how much traffic is in the area
• Obey the rules of the road: follow all traffic signs and do not assume that everyone on the road can see you
• Turn off the music: music is a distraction and with headphones on you will not be aware of your surroundings
The Get Lit campaign will continue every Tuesday through October at various downtown Toronto locations. Protect yourself and ensure that your bike is equipped with the necessary front white light and back red light or reflectors.
And to those driving, make sure you give the cyclist plenty of room when approaching and slow down if necessary. Remember, patience is the safest tip of all.
