Turn the lights on after dark, police remind Calgary cyclists

Though the cycle track network in Calgary has made cycling safer for those in the city, it's still essential and mandatory to have the proper lights and reflectors.

Calgary police Sgt. DeanVegsosays the majority of cyclists he sees have the proper equipment.

"Culturally, as we change, it's in a positive way. When I do see bicyclists on the road, they have the proper gear, the proper lights," he says. "More so now than ever, people on bicycles are more aware of it, especially as the city builds those bicycle lanes."

Cyclists in Calgary are required to have a white light at the front but no more than two white front lights, a red light at the back, and at least one red reflector on the rear of the bicycle.

Vegso cautions you can stillget a ticket for riding without the proper gear.

"Offences when it comes to equipment is anywhere from $80 to around $120," he said.

CBC News took to the streets Wednesday evening to see what cyclists had to say about riding with lights.

As Emilie Petre cruises down 8th Street S.W., she doesn't think it's a big deal to ride at night without lights.

"Look it's OK. On the bike track it's OK," Petre said.

She saidshe was working late and forgot her lights at home.

Cyclist Kristyna Dubna knows it's wrong, but still does it.

"I'm being very silly and I'm in a rush and it's silly, yes I know I should have lights and a helmet," Dubna said.

By law, cyclists aged 18 and younger are required to wear an approved bicycle helmet.

Rodney Smith says he always has his lights and wouldn't ride without them.

"Cyclists should be looking out for themselves," Smith said. "Absolutely you need lights on."

Police say they don't have data showing that collisions with cyclists are on the rise, so they are more concerned with things like distracted and impaired driving.

• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Alberta man cleans veteran graves to keep memories alive
• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Needles, razor blades found in Halloween candy spurs RCMP warning to parents