Oct. 1: Bike Light Giveaway

In a continued effort to promote bicycle safety in Evanston, on Thursday, October 1, the City of Evanston will hold its 2015 “Pedal Bright” Bike Light Giveaway and Installation event.

The exciting initiative will provide bicycle safety information and help cyclists increase the visibility of their bikes as the days get shorter during the fall and winter seasons. Teams of volunteers will install a limited number of free bicycle lights, distribute city bike maps, and provide a quick tutorial on the rules of the road for bicyclists.

Bicycle lights will be installed while supplies last on Thursday, October 1, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., at two Evanston locations:

• Robert Crown Community Center, 1701 Main St.
• The Weber Arch at Northwestern University, Chicago Ave. and Sheridan Rd.

The morning and afternoon hours are often peak times for bicycle traffic on local roadways. Later sunrises and earlier sunsets make visibility especially important for both bicycle commuters and recreational cyclists. Bicyclists in need of lights are encouraged to have a light installed at one of the locations. Lights will only be installed on bicycles without lights; lights will not be handed out to individuals without bikes.

Illinois law requires that every bicycle when in use at nighttime be equipped with a front lamp capable of emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet, and a red reflector on the rear visible from 100 to 600 feet. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to a red reflector.

The City is proud to announce the event's sponsors and partners, including:

• Evanston Police Department
• Northwestern University
• Northwestern University Associated Student Government
• NorthShore Evanston Hospital
• Evanston Township High School
• Evanston Bike Club
• Downtown Evanston
• Wheel and Sprocket
• The Illinois Bicycle Lawyers at Keating Law Offices

Additional sponsors will be announced. Those interested in being a sponsor should contact bikes@cityofevanston.org.

For more information, please call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents in Evanston may simply dial 3-1-1.