Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Friday, November 02, 2007
Contact: Paul DeMaio 703-228-5027 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
MEDIA ALERT: Arlington to Light the Way Home for Local Bicycle Commuters
Raising awareness about bicycle safety after dark
ARLINGTON, Va. – With daylight-saving time coming to an end this weekend, many bicycle commuters may be unprepared on Monday to make the commute home in the dark. Arlington County’s award-winning BikeArlington program will help get these commuters home safely and raise awareness about bicycle safety after dark with a November 5 event. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., BikeArlington and the Arlington County Police Department will give out and install free front and rear bicycle lights for local cyclists riding unlit. Arlington aims to prevent potential crashes and injuries and save lives with this proactive event.
To ensure cyclists are safe and seen by motorists, Virginia law requires bicycles to have a front light after dark and an additional red taillight when traveling on roads with a speed limit of 35+ mph.
WHAT: Arlington County’s award-winning BikeArlington program and the Arlington County Police Department will give out and install free bicycle lights for the first 75 local cyclists, instead of ticketing those without lights.
WHO: Local bicycle commuters, BikeArlington Staff, Arlington County Police
WHEN: Monday, November 5, 2007, 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
WHERE: Washington & Old Dominion Trail at Columbia Pike, Arlington, Virginia
The event is accessible via bicycle from the Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Columbia Pike. The event can also be reached by motor vehicle via Columbia Pike.
Arlington County Commuter Services created the BikeArlington program to promote more cycling, more often throughout the County. Vi sit www.BikeArlington.com for bicycling information including, maps, commuting tips, and safety tips.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.