Stay Safe Cycling This Fall: Go by Bike Week Returns to Encourage Safe Riding in Dark and Wet Conditions

 HUB Cycling's Go by Bike Week is back from September 23 to October 6, 2024, to encourage people to continue travelling by bike this Fall while promoting key safety measures for darker and wetter conditions.

Cycling is an excellent way to stay active, reduce your carbon footprint, and save money on transportation. However, with Fall comes new challenges, such as limited daylight and wet roads.

As the days get shorter and the rain returns, people travelling by bike may find themselves riding in the dark, even during regular commute hours. Bike lights are essential for safety, and cyclists should always use a white light at the front and a red rear light. However, HUB Cycling encourages participants to go beyond the minimum. Studies show that using lights throughout the day can reduce the risk of collisions by nearly 50%. In addition to lights, reflective gear helps increase visibility to other road users.

Foul weather also brings slippery surfaces, meaning riders may have to navigate wet leaves, puddles, and metal grates. Slowing down and braking earlier can prevent accidents in these conditions. For those keen to ride through the rain, fenders are a must to keep water off your back and bike.

Embrace the Elements!

HUB Cycling's Event Manager, Lisa Storey, emphasizes that fall riding can still be enjoyable and comfortable with the right approach: "The key to cycling year-round is proper preparation. Investing in waterproof, reflective clothing and layering up to adjust to temperature changes are small steps that can make a big difference."

TransLink's CEO Kevin Quinn encourages cyclists caught in heavy rain to consider multi-modal commuting options. "Cycling is a fast, healthy, and environmentally-friendly way to get around — and it can be easily integrated with transit,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “We continue to support safe and sustainable travel in Metro Vancouver and encourage cyclists around our region to choose multi-modal commuting options, especially during fall weather.” 

Free Events to Help You Ride Safely

HUB Cycling is hosting several events during Fall Go by Bike Weeks, including partnering with local bike shops to run Bike Maintainance Workshops, hosting free group rides and a Fall & Winter Cycling webinar to prepare riders and their bikes for the upcoming season on Thur, October 3. To ensure equitable access, many of these events have been designed for women/trans/queer (WTQ) people, youth and people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

People can also stop by one of the many Celebration Stations taking place across 11 Metro Vancouver municipalities during Go by Bike Week. There, mechanics will offer free bike check-ups, and participants can grab free coffee, snacks and resources like bike lights and cycling maps.

Go by Bike Week is a fun, free, community-based event that encourages Metro Vancouver residents to log their rides for a chance to win prizes, including an Ohm Cruise E-bike and a cycling vacation to Portugal.

Register for free and get ready to stay safe while riding through the Fall.