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Portland’s TriMet is reminding transit riders, including bicycle transit riders, to light up and be safe. In a campaign that coincides with the switch to Daylight Savings Time, the mass transit service is telling people to use reflective tape, light-colored clothing, flashlights and even cell phones in cell phone bike mounts to increase their visibility during the most dangerous hours for pedestrians and cyclists.
According to many national road safety organizations, the hours just before and after sunset are the deadliest hours for pedestrians and bicyclists because of the reduced visibility. While many states now require drivers to turn their headlights on at dusk, the TriMet campaign is reminding cyclists and walkers that they can also take precautions.
The Be Seen, Be Safe campaign offers tips for cyclists and pedestrians whose daily commutes coincide with dusk and dawn hours. A TriMet spokesperson noted three ways for cyclists to increase their visibility to drivers on the road.
First, the service says, wear light-colored clothing when walking or cycling in the dark. Research shows that drivers may not see people wearing dark clothing until the car is 55 feet away from them, which leaves them only about a second to react. Light colors stand out in the dark, making it easier for drivers to see and react.
Secondly, TriMet says, “rock those reflectors.” Research shows that wearing reflective clothing or using reflective accessories on a bicycle reduces the chance of being hit by a motor vehicle as much as eight-fold. Whether it’s reflective tape on a backpack or reflectors on the wheels of a bicycle, reflectors help keep pedestrians and cyclists safe.
The most important safety measure that cyclists or pedestrians can take, however, is to “light up,” the TriMet spokesperson said.Headlights, flashlights, tail lights –even a cell phone mount with a smart phone flashlight app – greatly increase the chance of a rider or pedestrian being seen by motor vehicle traffic.
The best cell phone bike mounts can be mounted on nearly any bike model, and will fit a wide range of cell phone models. In addition, the bicyclist can adjust the position and angle of the bike cell phone holder to aim the light forward when the phone is being used as a flashlight app.
“It’s not a substitute for a real bike headlight,” said one bike safety expert, “but in a pinch, it will definitely make a bicycle more visible to passing drivers, and could save a life.”
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Release ID: 97192