Safe Roads For All

Cyclists: Do your part and be light smart!

 

Motorists: Expect bikes on the road!

 

Drivers and cyclists are on the same team for safe roads.

 

Will you be seen?

 

Your mouse acts as headlights on the cyclist below. Roll your cursor over the images to see how reflectors and lights are likely to appear to a motorist before and after car headlights shine on the cyclist.

 

What a motorist sees:Cyclist's type of Gear:

 

 

No reflectors or lights.

 

Reflector onlyRear reflector.

 

Reflectors and LightsLights on rear and front of bike, as well as blinking light on helmet.

 

LightsVestTiresLight on rear and front of bike, blinking light on helmet and reflective tires, vest and leg/wrist bands.

 

ReflectiveandLitLights on rear and front of bike. Blinking light on helmet, lights on wheels, reflective vest, wrist and ankle bands.

 

Lighting and reflective equipment falls into two categories.
Be sure to use both for adequate visibility!

 

Active Lighting is...

 

 

 

Passive Lighting is...

 

The Best Case Scenario

 

 

 

Quiz

 

Take the quiz to learn about (and avoid) the 5 most common collisions between bikes and cars. Also, learn about bike laws. Click on each question to see the answer.

 

What is the required gear for a cyclist riding at night?

 

What lane position should a cyclist use?

 

What are the five most common collisions between a bike and a motor vehicle?

 

How can motorists avoid the five most common collisions?

 

How can cyclists avoid the five most common collisions?

 

Additional Resources

 

See and Be Seen Tips!

 

Do your part for safer roads!

 

Cyclists

 

  • Light yourself so that motorists can see you. A white front headlight and red reflector are required by law after dark.
  • Equip yourself with more than the minimum; add extra lights and reflectors to yourself to increase your visibility!
  • Ask a friend to look at you in the dark to make sure you're as visible as you think!
  • Ride predictably.

 

Motorists

 

  • Expect bikes on the road.
  • Be vigilant for bikes especially when it is dark.
  • Clean the inside of your windshield and have wipers that work!
  • Give cyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing.
  • De-fog and de-ice your windshield completely before leaving your driveway.
  • Stay alert - avoid distractions while driving.

 

Gear:

 

  • Blinking, lighted or reflective tools: Cyclists and Pedestrians, are you curious if you're visible enough? Contact Western's Sustainable Transportation Office to request a free 'Visibility' session. A Sustainable Transportation staff member will come to you at your request and will provide feedback on about your current visibility. In addition to tips for increasing your visibility, you can also receive free blinking, lighted or reflective tools while supplies last.

 

Information: