Chilling weather and lessening daylight means that winter is upon us.
Early winter means Thanksgiving dinners, holiday gift lists, and New Year’s resolutions. And for those who brave the cold year-round on foot an on bikes, it also means getting around in the dark. New hazards come when the light is gone earlier. So, lights on and take care, everyone – see and be seen!
When Light is Low – We All Play a Role
The statistics are startling. As days become shorter, the risk on our roads increases exponentially. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 80% of pedestrian deaths and 56% of cyclist deaths occur when low light is a factor – at either night, dawn, or dusk. For cyclists, the riskiest hours are between 6pm and 9pm. Everyone on the road plays a role in improving safety and preventing injuries.
What Motorists Can Do
Slower is safer. “The average risk of severe injury for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle reaches 10% at an impact speed of 16 mph, 25% at 23 mph, 50% at 31 mph, 75% at 39 mph” (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety). It is up to all of us on the road to look out for each other.
- Adhere to posted speed limits – slower is safer.
- Limit all distractions – silence your phone, turn the music down, put your phone away
- Drive with added caution and courtesy in pedestrian/cyclist heavy areas
- Triple check before proceeding through intersections
For drivers, limited daylight calls for added caution, especially in business districts and on primary routes where people are commuting by bicycle and the light ends before the business day ends. In Newport, Broadway, America’s Cup, Bellevue, and Thames Street are busy bike routes year round. What are the busy routes where you live and travel? How do you adjust your driving behavior in those areas?
Tips for Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Others
See and be seen. For everyone traveling outside of a car, take these steps to be visible and safer on the roads.
- Use lights beginning at dusk.
- On bicycles – use a white light in the front and a red light in the back. Be sure your wheels and pedals have reflectors.
- Wear bright colored clothing at all hours. Bright colors help you stand out from your surroundings.
- Wear a reflective vest or add reflective strips to your apparel – reflectivity is a powerful safety aid when cars are present.
- Proceed with extra caution around intersections. Check that drivers see you with a wave to each other that confirms you are seen “Do you see me?” “Yes, I see you.”
- If you are walking, consider a headlamp. Wear a reflective vest where there are no sidewalks.
Free Lights and Reflectors
Thanks to 11th Hour Racing and AARP Rhode Island, Bike Newport has a supply of lights and reflectors to distribute in the community. They can be mounted on bicycles or attached to clothing, strollers, and more.
Come by Bike Newport’s headquarters at 62 Broadway during business hours, and to the Community Bike Garage by using the back entrance of Bike Newport – from 2:00 to 5:00pm on weekdays and until 7:00pm on Mondays and Thursdays.
Every Wednesday through the end of December, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm, find us in front of Conexión Latina Newport at 170 Broadway. We have front white lights and rear red lights which can be mounted on a bike or fastened onto a coat, stroller, and more.
Spread the word and the encouragement! Post photos of yourself well lit and reflective – and tag us @bikenewportri. Tip: photograph reflective clothing at night using your camera flash – WOW! 🌟🌟🌟
Thanks for doing your part to make all streets safer – all year long!
Bike Newport