Bike Light Giveaway Reminder

Sobering fact

Over half of all cyclists killed are hit while riding at night without lights, WABA says, even though only 3 percent of bike riding is done at night.

Timed to coincide with daylight savings time, the purpose behind WABA's "Got Lights?" campaign is to reach out to bike commuters and other cyclists riding in the dark without the proper safety equipment. While doing this WABA, DDOT and the City of Alexandria hope to also reach the Latino community, one of Washington's largest bicycle commuter groups. Today and Tuesday in the District, starting at 4:30, it's first come, first served at:

-- The Suntrust Plaza on the corner of 18th Street and Columbia Road NW.

-- Sacred Heart Catholic Church near the intersection of 16th Street and Park Road NW. 

In Alexandria, the giveaway will take place next Thursday, Oct. 30, starting at 5 p.m., on Commonwealth Avenue near Four Mile Run at Cora Kelly Elementary School, 3600 Commonwealth Ave. The Alexandria event is sponsored by WABA, the City of Alexandria, Wheel Nuts Bike Shop and BikeWalk Alexandria. Wheel Nuts Bike Shop will provide mechanical support.

Photo by Unhindered by Talent

Comments

[Erin]

While we are improving our own visibility so that cars can see us, lets not forget to take safety precautions for ourselves. Today I witnessed many cyclists (such as the one in this picture) who were riding on the streets and not wearing helmets. Today I had to call an ambulance for a cyclist who had fallen off their bike and hit their head on the street. This cyclist was not wearing a helmet and I feel that their injury may have been less severe if they had been wearing one. By the way, there were not any vehicles near the cyclist when this incident occurred. While we work hard to improve our visibility (I myself am a bike commuter) to those around us, let's not forget that wearing a helmet is the easiest way to be safe.