After two Boise cyclists were killed by cars this fall, bike safety is getting renewed attention. Cyclists without lights are even less visible to motorists during their evening commutes with the time change.
The Boise Police Department has noticed, and has started a new initiative to make cyclists safer in the dark.
“Ada County Highway District has a supply of bike lights," says Deputy Chief Pete Ritter. "We have given them out to officers to when they contact cyclists or if they see cyclists who appear to need a light so they can hand them out.”
Ritter says the bike lights have also been given to patrollers at Boise State, so that students can get free ones.
By law, Boise requires a red reflector on the back of bikes that should be visible for 300 feet. A front white light visible from 500 feet away is also required.
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