BikeArlington is reminding local cyclists to “light up your bike” as the fall days continue to get darker earlier.
Clocks will “fall back” an hour in less than three weeks, when Daylight Saving Time ends. For safety, and to comply with a state law that requires the use of front white lights on bikes when it’s dark, BikeArlington issued the following reminder.
As the days get shorter, and the nights get longer, we all still have to go about our business. And daylight savings time ends on Sunday, November 4. That means we’ll be walking, biking and driving in the dark more often, so it’s very important to be a PAL [link added] when you’re getting around Arlington after sunset. Being visible is a crucial part of being Predictable, Alert, and Lawful.
For one, you can’t be predictable if no one can see you, so if you plan to bike in the dark, you should wear reflective clothing and use bike lights. Lights also help illuminate your path so you can stay alert while you’re riding, and lastly Virginia law requires all bikers to use front white lights and rear red reflectors when dark (these can be attached to your helmet, bag, or bike) and rear red lights are required on roads 35 mph and up. It’s a good idea to be as visible as possible so we recommend always having rear red lights.
Visit www.BikeArlington.com/PAL for more information on being a visible PAL.