Transportation Safety Committee Reminds Pedestrians and Bicyclists to ‘Lighten Up’ at Night

This is a press release from the City of Arcata:

The Transportation Safety Committee would like to remind the community that it is the law to wear or carry lights and reflectors at night and in the early morning when walking or biking.

With the daylight saving time change…on Sunday, November 1, the days will become shorter, and it will begin to get darker sooner. Lights and reflectors provide visibility when it is dark, which lowers the rate of nighttime collisions of pedestrians by motor vehicles. Motorists can spot a pedestrian from approximately 500 feet away when light reflectors are used, which allows drivers a 10-second cushion to slow down and ensure they can safely pass pedestrians and bicyclists.

Here are some additional tips for walking or biking after dark:

● Wear light colors, and avoid wearing dark clothing. Pedestrians should wear light-colored clothing to help enhance their visibility to motorists from dusk to dawn. Wearing light reflectors in combination with light-colored clothing is recommended.

● Make no exceptions. Many pedestrians and cyclists assume street lights are enough to be seen by drivers, and this is not the case. Lights and reflectors are always the safest bet to remain visible.

● Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.

● Do not assume vehicles will stop. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.

● Wear a helmet, use a bicycle lamp and strategically place reflectors to be seen at night on your bike. Bicyclists should use a front lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet, a rear red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector visible from a distance of 500 feet, and a white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist’s shoes or ankles visible from a distance of 200 feet. A white or yellow reflector on the front wheel, a white or red reflector on the rear wheel, and reflectorized tires are also recommended.

● Be proactive. Pedestrians and cyclists should always plan ahead in case they find themselves out past nightfall with plans to walk or bike home. Always pack lights and reflectors in a bag and take them with you in order to travel home safely.

For additional information on pedestrian and bicycle safety, contact the Building & Engineering Department at

(707) 825-2128.