This week's BWL column provides a few simple safety rules for walking or biking after dark--be visible, be predictable, and be defensive.
News-Press "Go Coastal" Section, Jan. 23, 2014
For many, the idea of going for a bike ride or a good walk is a
daylight-only endeavor, thinking that nighttime is not the right time to
enjoy either of these pursuits.
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The sun is going down, and you want to ride your bike? Follow a few simple safety rules. / Getty Images/iStockphoto |
But this time of year, when the sun sets before the day is done for many of us, bikers and walkers should be prepared to take on the dark to ensure safe transit.
(Once the weather turns warmer, you may also want to consider biking or walking at dusk or later to take advantage of cooler temps, so these suggestions will apply then as well.)
Bike/ped
safety at night requires many of the same rules as in daylight, with
the admonition that less light makes them even more important to follow.
Drivers can see less and have more to watch out for at night, so it’s
important that bikers and walkers make the extra effort that keeps them
safe.
Bike/ped
safety at night requires many of the same rules as in daylight, with
the admonition that less light makes them even more important to follow.
Drivers can see less and have more to watch out for at night, so it’s
important that bikers and walkers make the extra effort that keeps them
safe.
• Be visible.
The best way to do that at night is with lights, where more is usually
better. (For bikers, it’s even the law to be illuminated at night.)
Walkers may be able to get by with a flashlight or two (remember,
subtlety is not your friend), but bikers should consider multiple lights
front and back for maximum effect (and as a backup should batteries
start dying).
The rule of thumb is (and other traffic is expecting) white lights up front and red lights in the back, and flashing lights draw more attention than continuous (although a steady light to help guide you is smart). Most bike shops have an array of headlights and taillights that clip, clamp or otherwise attach to you and your bike. Walkers and runners can look at those as well, and you can also pick up an inexpensive headlamp at most hardware outlets that will throw out a good beam to light the way.
Beyond lighting, dress for the occasion with lighter shades and reflective stripes on shoes and clothing (a common addition to running gear for just this reason). Add reflective tape to helmets or bike parts if you expect to be out a lot, or invest in some reflective gear — vests, arm or leg bands, etc. — to add to your night glow.
The rule of thumb is (and other traffic is expecting) white lights up front and red lights in the back, and flashing lights draw more attention than continuous (although a steady light to help guide you is smart). Most bike shops have an array of headlights and taillights that clip, clamp or otherwise attach to you and your bike. Walkers and runners can look at those as well, and you can also pick up an inexpensive headlamp at most hardware outlets that will throw out a good beam to light the way.
Beyond lighting, dress for the occasion with lighter shades and reflective stripes on shoes and clothing (a common addition to running gear for just this reason). Add reflective tape to helmets or bike parts if you expect to be out a lot, or invest in some reflective gear — vests, arm or leg bands, etc. — to add to your night glow.
• Be predictable. All the things you shouldn’t do during the day — dart into traffic, bike or walk erratically, be distracted or be tuned out to the sounds around you due to you headphones — you really need to avoid doing at night. Go in the right direction — walkers facing traffic, bikers going with it — even if you’re on the sidewalk; cross streets with caution; stay off the cellphone and leave the iPod at home.
Don’t just worry about motor vehicles, but also keep an eye out for each other on sidewalks, roadways and shared-use paths. While a walker/biker collision is more survivable, it can still leave some nasty bruises that are totally avoidable with a better awareness of all the road users.
• Be defensive. Take routes that are familiar and well-lit if possible — not only to be seen, but to make it easier to navigate when you can’t see where you’re going (particularly in areas with dense or low-hanging vegetation). Don’t assume other traffic is aware of you, confirm it — make sure they’re looking at you or return your wave or greeting. Use traffic signals to traverse busy intersections. Be very aware of the traffic around you, and anticipate what they might be doing before they actually do it.
BikeWalkLee is a community coalition advocating for complete streets in Lee County — streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Information, statistics and background online at BikeWalkLee.org.
The rule of thumb is (and other traffic is expecting) white lights up front and red lights in the back, and flashing lights draw more attention than continuous (although a steady light to help guide you is smart). Most bike shops have an array of headlights and taillights that clip, clamp or otherwise attach to you and your bike. Walkers and runners can look at those as well, and you can also pick up an inexpensive headlamp at most hardware outlets that will throw out a good beam to light the way.
Beyond lighting, dress for the occasion with lighter shades and reflective stripes on shoes and clothing (a common addition to running gear for just this reason). Add reflective tape to helmets or bike parts if you expect to be out a lot, or invest in some reflective gear — vests, arm or leg bands, etc. — to add to your night glow.
The rule of thumb is (and other traffic is expecting) white lights up front and red lights in the back, and flashing lights draw more attention than continuous (although a steady light to help guide you is smart). Most bike shops have an array of headlights and taillights that clip, clamp or otherwise attach to you and your bike. Walkers and runners can look at those as well, and you can also pick up an inexpensive headlamp at most hardware outlets that will throw out a good beam to light the way.
Beyond lighting, dress for the occasion with lighter shades and reflective stripes on shoes and clothing (a common addition to running gear for just this reason). Add reflective tape to helmets or bike parts if you expect to be out a lot, or invest in some reflective gear — vests, arm or leg bands, etc. — to add to your night glow.
• Be predictable. All the things you shouldn’t do during the day — dart into traffic, bike or walk erratically, be distracted or be tuned out to the sounds around you due to you headphones — you really need to avoid doing at night. Go in the right direction — walkers facing traffic, bikers going with it — even if you’re on the sidewalk; cross streets with caution; stay off the cellphone and leave the iPod at home.
Don’t just worry about motor vehicles, but also keep an eye out for each other on sidewalks, roadways and shared-use paths. While a walker/biker collision is more survivable, it can still leave some nasty bruises that are totally avoidable with a better awareness of all the road users.
• Be defensive. Take routes that are familiar and well-lit if possible — not only to be seen, but to make it easier to navigate when you can’t see where you’re going (particularly in areas with dense or low-hanging vegetation). Don’t assume other traffic is aware of you, confirm it — make sure they’re looking at you or return your wave or greeting. Use traffic signals to traverse busy intersections. Be very aware of the traffic around you, and anticipate what they might be doing before they actually do it.
BikeWalkLee is a community coalition advocating for complete streets in Lee County — streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Information, statistics and background online at BikeWalkLee.org.
Upcoming events
Running/Walking• Saturday: Verot Paint Run 5K, Fort Myers. 8 a.m. (bvhs.org/verotvikings5krun).
• Saturday: Calusa Bug Chase, Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers. 7:30 a.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Feb. 1: Strides for Education 5K walk/run, Edison State College, Fort Myers. 8 a.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Feb. 8: Commit 2B Fit 5K walk/run, Lakes Regional Park, Fort Myers. 9 a.m. (facebook.com/pages/CU-Commit2bFit/254218017027)
• Saturday, Feb. 8: Run for the Rose Garden, Cape Coral Rotary Club. Rotary Park, Cape Coral. 7:45 a.m. (active.com)
• Saturday, Feb. 15: Edison Fest 5K, downtown Fort Myers. (edisonfestival.org/race, ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday Feb. 22: Swamp Stomp 5K. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Sunday, March 2: Hooters Half Marathon, Fort Myers. 7 a.m. (hootershalfmarathon.com)
• Saturday, March 29: Scope for Hope 5K, Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
Cycling and other events
• Saturday, Feb. 8: Fallen Heroes Rides, Trek Bicycle, Estero. 10-, 28- 42- and 62-mile options (brotherhoodride.com)
• Saturday, Feb. 15: Ride for Hope, Bonita Springs. 10- 25- and 50-mile options (hopehcs.org/ride)
• Sunday, March 16: Royal Palm Classic, organized by the Caloosa Riders. Details at caloosariders.org
• Saturday, March 29: Walk, Wheel, & Wobble for Ataxia, Florida Gulf Coast University. 10-, 30- and 62-mile rides, 5K run (knowataxia.webs.com/)
• Sunday, April 13: Immokalee Ride for Literacy, 15-, 30- and 62-mile rides (caloosariders.org/)
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