Community campaign encourages bicyclists to ride safely at night

A campaign taking place now in Bellingham aims to increase the use of bike lights and promote safe night riding. The “See and Be Seen” campaign combines education, enforcement and access to lights to encourage cyclists to use bike lights and be more visible when riding at night, according to a press release sent by the City of Bellingham Thursday.

"Working in the emergency room, I see bicyclists coming in with injuries that could be prevented," said Todd Guiton, a physician's assistant with Northwest Emergency Physicians, in the release. "I encourage all cyclists to be more visible by riding with working front and back lights, wearing bright clothing, and obeying the rules of the road. When you are visible to motorists and ride responsibly, you are much less likely to end up being a statistic."

Along with community education, increasing access to bike lights is a key component of the campaign. Local bike shops are generously offering a 10-percent discount coupon on lights through Nov. 30. Fairhaven Bike and Ski, Jack's Bicycle Center, Kulshan Cycles, Fantatik Bike Company, The HUB Community Bike Shop, the Drop 'N' Zone, and Earl's Bicycle Shop all support the campaign.

Throughout the campaign, Bellingham and Western Washington University Police will increase their enforcement of bike light violations, giving warnings and/or tickets to cyclists riding after dark without lights. Officers may also provide education and coupons for discounts on bike lights.

"Many people don’t know that it’s illegal to ride a bike after dark without a light," said Bellingham Police Sgt. Mark Stokes. "We will be making an effort to increase safety for bicyclists, motorists and others by enforcing this law more."

Washington State law requires that during the hours of darkness cyclists must use a white front light attached to the bike visible for 500 feet, along with a red reflector attached to the back of the bike. A red flashing light is not required, but increases safety because it makes the bicycle more visible to motorists. Lights attached to helmets, clothing or backpacks are only legal when used in addition to lights mounted on the bicycle. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission offers a free brochure covering laws that apply to cyclists.

Community partners for the “See & Be Seen” campaign include Bellingham Police and Public Works Departments, everybodyBIKE, WWU Sustainable Transportation, WWU Police Department, Kona USA, Mt. Baker Bicycle Club, Whatcom Traffic Safety Task Force, and Cascade Radio Group.