Bellingham shops offer discounts on bicycle lights during safety campaign

HANNAH BOSTWICK - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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BELLINGHAM - Many local bicycle shops are offering discounts on bicycle lights during November to help support the "See and Be Seen" safety campaign.

Participating shops include Fanatik Bike Company, Jack's Bicycle Center, Fairhaven Bike and Ski, Kulshan Cycles, Bellingham REI and the Western Washington University Outdoor Center.

Selected varieties of bicycle lights will be discounted between 10 percent and 15 percent to encourage people to properly equip their bicycles, said Kim Brown, city of Bellingham transportation options coordinator.

The campaign, which coincides with a bicycle enforcement program being conducted by Bellingham and WWU police, encourages bicyclists to use the required lighting at night and reminds drivers to watch for cyclists, Brown said.

Bicyclists without the proper lights will be issued a warning and given 15 to 30 days to purchase the correct equipment, Brown said. If cyclists do not fix the problem during that time, they will be issued a citation of $103.

By law, bicyclists must equip the front of their bicycle with a white light visible from 500 feet away and the back with a red reflector visible from 100 feet away.

For more information on bicycle shop discounts and bicycle laws, visit everybodybike.com.

NIGHT CYCLING TIPS

• Wear bright clothing and reflective gear.

• Equip the back of your bicycle with a red flashing light.

• Wear a light on your helmet for increased visibility.