Be bright at night
If you’re walking, biking or scootering at night, it’s important to be bright. These are great ways to get around and be active – but if you’re doing so in dim or dark light conditions, put safety first.
With shorter daylight hours ahead, the City of Vaughan is sharing 10 ways you can make your trip safer.
Wear reflective gear.
Wear reflective clothing, fasten reflective tape to jackets, or wear arm/ankle bands with lights.
Dress for the occasion.
Check weather conditions before leaving so you can dress appropriately for wind, rain and cooler temperatures. Bright clothes and layers are a good idea.
Ensure bikes and scooters are properly equipped.
Cyclists are required to have bikes with white reflective tape on the front forks, red reflective tape on the rear forks, a white front light, a red rear light or reflector and a working bell or horn. Scooters can also be equipped with lights, reflectors and a bell or horn.
Have backup lights.
Make sure you’ve fully charged your lights before heading out or have backup lights handy.
Wear a helmet.
Although helmets are mandatory for people 18 years old and younger, it is recommended all riders wear one.
Know the rules of the road.
A bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. This means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users.
Ride with etiquette.
When sharing space with pedestrians, yield to them and pass on the right. When riding on a cycle track, bike lane or on the road, travel in the same direction as motorists, and stop at all traffic lights and stop signs.
Travel where you can be seen.
Make sure you’re walking, biking or scootering in locations where oncoming traffic, including motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists, can see you.
Ride with extra caution.
Dim light conditions at night make the path ahead less visible, even if bikes or scooters are properly lit. Keep your eyes on the path ahead to avoid obstacles, such as puddles, potholes, gravel, manhole covers and more.
Map your route.
Chose an area you are familiar with and is well lit. Explore Vaughan’s Cycling and Multi-use Network and the York Region Cycling Map.
Want to learn more? Visit vaughan.ca/cycling and watch the City’s Be Bright at Night video.
Have an e-bike? Micromobility devices – such as e-bikes, e-scooters, golf carts, Segways, electric skateboards, hoverboards and other motorized personal vehicles – should not be used on sidewalks, cycle tracks, shared pedestrian and bike paths or recreational trails in the city. Exemptions apply to those who require motorized wheelchairs and medical devices to get around. To report unsafe sightings, contact the City by phone at 905-832-2281 or email at service@vaughan.ca with the date, location and nature of the incident. You can also report concerns to York Regional Police through the non-emergency phone line at 1-866-876-5423 or fill out the online form at yrp.ca. Visit vaughan.ca/micromobility to learn more about these devices in Vaughan.
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