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Why It's More Important Than Ever For Cyclists to Use a Light (VIDEO)

By Kelly Bauer | October 30, 2015 2:10pm
 Approaching winter means bicyclists face more risks due to the lack of light.
Approaching winter means bicyclists face more risks due to the lack of light.
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DNAinfo/Geoff Ziezulewicz

NORTH PARK — Cyclists should be using lights more than ever as it gets darker outside earlier every day, according to a video from the Active Transportation Alliance.

With winter approaching, it's getting dark outside earlier and earlier, making it more difficult for drivers to spot folks on bikes. Sunset is 5:47 p.m. Friday and, thanks to Daylight Savings Time, it will be 4:45 p.m. Sunday.

"It's more important now than ever to make sure that if you are riding a bike at night in Chicago that you are equipped to be seen," Jason Jenkins, an education specialist for Active Trans, says in a new safety video. Active Trans is a bicycle safety and advocacy organization.

Jenkins advises bicyclists to use bright, high-quality lights. You should have at least one front light that's visible from 500 feet, a reflector and a red light.

Watch the video for tips from Jenkins on finding the right lights for your bike.

 

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