Website: http://www.thinkbicycles.org/light-the-night/

ANNOUNCING LIGHT THE NIGHT PROGRAM

To Bike at Night, You Need a Light

Iowa City, Iowa, May 14th 2012 – In an effort to improve bicycle safety, beginning May 14st bicyclists who receive a citation for failing to equip their bike with a front white light and/or rear red reflector/light, may elect to participate in the Light the Night Program.

In lieu of paying a 93.75-dollar fine bicyclists now have the option to install bike lights instead. In order to get your citation stamped and fine waved simply purchase necessary light/s from a participating local bike shop, install them at the time of purchase, demonstrate that the bike is equipped with both front and rear lights, and drop off your stamped citation at the Iowa City Police Department.

Bicyclists, like motorists are required by law to follow the rules of the road. The law states: that from sundown to sunup, every bicycle shall be equipped with a white front light, and with a rear red light or reflector. Results of a 2012 Bike Master Plan Online Survey revile that cyclist’s main concern is law enforcement. Of the 306 people who took the survey, 112 of them said that enforcing headlight/reflector laws during non-daylight hours was most the important.

“I’m a cyclist and driver.” Comments Martha Norbeck, local bike advocate and Think Bicycles member. “Everybody is safer when we can see each other. Bicyclists and drivers are safer when bikes light the night. We want to foster a positive bike culture where people can ride, walk and drive with confidence.”

The program is supported by Think Bicycles, City of Iowa City, Iowa City Police Dept., and Bicyclists of Iowa City.
 Norbeck adds, “We want cyclists to have lights, not pay fines. This program is a great way for the city to support cycling by getting lights on bikes."