PDOT plans “See & Be Seen” bike light parade
Posted by Jonathan Maus (Editor) on October 18th, 2007 at 9:12 am
year’s bike light parade.
(Photo © Jonathan Maus)
The Portland Office of Transportation is organizing a bike light parade to increase awareness of the importance of being visible while riding at night. The parade officially kicks off the second year of the their “See & Be Seen” campaign.
The See & Be Seen Bike Light Parade is slated for November 15th at 6:00pm. The short parade will take place downtown and will go from the North Park Blocks to Portland State University.
Last year’s ride began at the Community Cycling Center and traversed Northeast Alberta area neighborhoods.
PDOT staffer and ride organizer Timo Forsberg says the parade is a way, “To promote visibility and safety. Cycling should be seen and not hard! We want motorists to watch out for cyclists, and we want cyclists to use lights to be visible.”
He adds that the dress code for the night is, “Bring the bling! Lights, reflective gear, etc. Make your fashion statement.”
PDOT is also teaming up for the second year with TriMet and other campaign sponsors on a marketing campaign that will put the See & Be Seen message on buses and on bus stop shelters and benches.
The parade is on the same night as BikeCraft III, the holiday gift bazaar full of locally-made bike-themed arts and crafts. So light your bike, join the parade, then swing over to the Lucky Lab on NW 19th and Quimby for a fun-filled, bike-tastic night!
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October 18th, 2007 09:26
Ha, awesome. Just how often does one get to say "more LEDs than a LAN party"? :)
October 18th, 2007 09:32
Wow! Its almost like someone did this ride last Saturday! PDOT owes me royalties!
October 18th, 2007 09:50
Aw, man! Why is everything always on a Thursday night? I teach until 8:30 on Thursday nights. I'll miss it, just like I'll miss the meeting tonight about Safe and Sound Streets in my neighborhood. Grrr...
October 18th, 2007 10:15
Did Timo say "cycling should be seen and not hard" or "seen and not heard"?
October 18th, 2007 10:24
"...hard."
"Seen and not hard," as in "visibly easy."
October 18th, 2007 10:35
... and partnering with the Community Cycling Center. We will be there with bells (and lights on).
Plus, we have Get Lit bike light giveaways scheduled around the City this month, so watch out!
We call it a random act of bike safety and will be out and about to make sure as many people as possible are getting the visibility they need during this dark season.
See you out there!
October 18th, 2007 10:50
And I'd like to mention to everyone out there; as important as it is to use lights, it's equally important to have batteries that actually work!
Lately it seems that I've been encountering people who are running the same batteries they ran last winter. Half the time I don't see anything til I'm about 10 feet behind them.
Get new batteries, or charge them if appropriate.
And if you put a light on your pack, make sure it's not just pointing up at the sky. Don't assume people can see it. Ask someone you're riding with.
October 18th, 2007 11:15
I second the battery notion...a lot of weak blinkers out there lately.
October 18th, 2007 12:37
Another thing I get really concerned about is visibility from the side: reflective tires, spoke reflectors etc. might be also a good idea!
October 18th, 2007 14:03
The only time I was ever hit, side visibility was the main factor. Citybikes has spoke reflectors for dirt cheap.
Rechargeable batteries are a good way to lessen one's ecological footprint.
October 18th, 2007 14:19
Props to comment #2.
Felix & Co. led a super fun ride! thanks again guys :)
October 18th, 2007 14:24
(probably better material for the forums, but, heck, here goes...)
Anybody tried these?
http://www.hokeyspokes.com/
October 18th, 2007 19:29
dyno power!
October 18th, 2007 23:49
Can't wait to rise and SHINE! Hmmmm... Hokeyspokes... maybe I should get some of them too..
See ya out there...
(motorists... PRAY for MERCY!!!!)
K'Tesh {=)
October 19th, 2007 07:29
Donald - see also: http://www.ladyada.net/make/spokepov/
:)
October 19th, 2007 12:28
Those tireflies they gave out at the night ride this year also help. They blink when you move. Not so good when stopped, but definitely increase side visiblity when moving!
November 14th, 2007 17:22
excellent campaign. We all need to look after our own safety. I myself ride with the thought that "I AM INVISIBLE". I figure if no one can "see" me, then I have to take 100% responsibility for my safety. 100% of mine and whatever drivers give of theirs equals higher probability not getting hurt.