Be Bright

Bicycling tips:(courtesy of OSP and the OSU Department of Public Safety)Safe riding:

  • If the lane is too narrow for cars to safely pass you, ride in the center of the lane to avoid having cars attempt to pass you unsafely.

Maneuvering:

  • Always ride with, not against, the traffic.
  • Right-of-way rules are law and common courtesy.
  • Yield to pedestrians, roller-skaters, skateboarders and people walking their bicycles. Ride single-file.

Good citizenship:

  • Obey all traffic signs. Bicyclists must obey the same signals and laws as other drivers.

Motorist tips: (courtesy of Government of Connecticut)

  • Reduce your speed when passing bicyclists, especially if the roadway is narrow.
  • Don’t blast your horn when approaching bicyclists.
  • Do not pass bicyclists if oncoming traffic is near.
  • Do not pass bicyclists if you will be making a right turn immediately afterward. Always assume bicyclists are traveling through unless they signal.

Pedestrian safety: (courtesy of ODOT)

  • Every year in Oregon, the majority of pedestrian fatalities occur at night or in low-light hours. More than half of the pedestrians killed were wearing dark clothing and were not visible. In 2012, ODOT reported that pedestrian fatalities in Oregon were up 23 percent from the previous year.

Benny is here to help you Be Bright! Be Seen! He’s got a few tips that will help bikers, pedestrians and drivers have a safer commute, and make Oregon’s dark, rainy winter days and nights a little brighter.

Be Bright! Is a collaborative effort between Oregon State University and the City of Corvallis (http://www.corvallisoregon.gov/) to encourage Corvallis citizens and the OSU community to increase their visibility on their daily commute. Getting around safely during Corvallis’ long, dark winters can be tough, but there are ways to make it easier. Don’t blend in with the gray, stand out!

Look below for tips on what to wear, how to gear up and how to make your trip across campus and around town safe.

Here are some other links that can help you as you brighten your commute:

Make a flashy entrance

At night, your goal should be to be as visible as possible. Be bright, be safe and be seen with lights, reflective gear and bright colors. If you’re practically invisible to everyone else, chances are that you’ll be having plenty of close calls. All it takes is a little illumination.

Be a glowing success

Being bright is as easy as installing bright lights on the front and rear of your bike, or clipping a blinking light to your backpack, umbrella or coat if you’re walking. Bikers and walkers can benefit by wearing bright gear with reflective strips, wearing reflective wrist or ankle bands, and finding other fun ways to shine like a star after dark.

Illuminate your wardrobe

Reflective tape allows you to flex your creative muscles and create amazing and fashionable designs on your outer gear. Carry an illuminated umbrella to really make an impact. Use a flashlight or turn your cellphone into a glowing beacon with one of many free flashlight apps. Clip blinking lights to your backpack or hat, or pin them onto the back of your coat.

Stay Sharp, Be Bright

Drivers and other bikers have another important role, paying attention. Even when bikers and pedestrians are fully illuminated, drivers only looking for other cars or paying attention to things inside their car can be extremely dangerous.

Contest Winner

Submission from our winner:

Kudos on the Be Bright campaign.  The campus and the city need the encouragement to think about safety as more and more people are walking and riding to, from, and on campus.  Thank you!

It’s tough to get a good photo of my lighting “system.”  But all these lights are not just for the photo opportunity; it’s how I operate.

12 lights, reflective trunk bag in back and ditty bag on crossbar, white wheel reflectors on both wheels, reflective rims on tires, bright yellow jacket and reflective sash.

The 12 lights –

  • spoke lights front and rear (2)
  • 2 red flashers at bag level in back
  • 3 more red flashers on my body (helmet, back of coat, bottom edge of coat)
  • 2 colored tube lights on the handlebar fork, orange and green right now.
  • 2 white flashing lights (helmet and handlebars)
  • 1 steady white light (900 lumen flashlight)

“Clown car” “Christmas tree” “Great lights” all the highest compliments as I pedal down the street.  You have to pedal/drive like no one will see you but I love it when someone actually waits at a corner because they saw me coming on a dark, rainy night.

Kathy Howell

College of Forestry Computing Group