Posts Tagged ‘BeBrilliant’

Breakstone, White & Gluck is teaming up with Boston Bikes, the City of Boston and cycling groups this week to remind cyclists to use bike lights. All over the city, cyclists are being surprised with free lights (if they need them), as part of Boston Bikes’ #BeBrilliant campaign to keep cyclists safe.

Breakstone, White & Gluck donated the 500 bicycle light sets to Boston Bikes, which is part of the City of Boston, for the third year. Boston Bikes staff and volunteer groups have been giving the lights away this week in Dorchester, Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, Roxbury, South Boston and Downtown. Groups include Rozzie Bikes, Commonwheels Bicycle Collective and Bike Dorchester.

Under Massachusetts law, cyclists must use bike lights to help them stay visible to motorists. Cyclists must have a white light on the front of their bike and either a red light or a red reflector on the rear. This is an important reminder since Daylight Saving Time ended last weekend and the nights are getting darker earlier.

“As evenings get dark earlier, people who are driving, walking and bicycling need to be more aware of each other than ever,” said BTD Commissioner Gina N. Fiandaca, in an announcement posted on the city’s website. “Our top priority is ensuring the safety of people traveling on our streets, and we ask everyone to help us by slowing down and looking out for each other.

Here are a few safety tips for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

For Drivers

• Follow the speed limit
• Do not use cell phones
• Always yield to pedestrians
• When turning, slow down and look for bicyclists going straight
• Make sure you do not open your car door into the path of a bicyclist or another driver
• Do not park or stop in the bike or bus lane

For Pedestrians

• Always use crosswalks
• Avoid crossing the street between two parked cars
• Wear reflective colored clothing

For Bicyclists

• Always wear a bicycle helmet and use bike lights
• Bike in the same direction as traffic, unless the street is marked otherwise
• Stop at stop signs and follow all traffic signals
• Wear reflective colored clothing
• Use hand signals
• Yield for pedestrians

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