THUNDER BAY – LIVING – Cyclists at Confederation College got a surprise on Wednesday when volunteers “tagged” all parked bicycles with a new set of lights. This lights blitz was the first in a series of similar events, called Light the Night, that will reach Thunder Bay cyclists this fall.
Part of a larger provincial initiative led by Share the Road Cycling Coalition, Light the Night is in its second year. In 2017, a successful campaign distributed 1,000 lights in Thunder Bay.
“Active transportation is a great choice for human and environmental health,” said EcoSuperior Program Coordinator Caroline Cox. “We want to encourage cyclists to ride safely and visibly as daytime hours become shorter.”
Bike light blitzes will take place across Thunder Bay throughout October and November at high bike traffic areas, such as the university, college, and shopping areas. Light the Night is funded by the City of Thunder Bay and delivered in partnership with the United Way.
Thunder Bay Police Services is also participating. Officers who find cyclists riding in the dark may give them bike lights in lieu of a ticket.
According to the Highway Traffic Act, cyclists are required to have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector from 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise.
