Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Contact: Paul DeMaio 703-228-5027 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
MEDIA ALERT: Arlington to Give Nighttime Bike Commuters Lights Instead of Tickets
(NOTE TO REPORTERS: photo opportunity of County staff attaching lights to commuters' bikes)
What: With Daylight Savings Time ending soon, many bike commuters will face a return trip home in the dark. Virginia law requires bicycles to use a front light at night. To ensure that cyclists are safe and seen by motorists, the BikeArlington program of Arlington County Commuter Services and the Arlington County Police Department will be installing front and rear bike lights onto commuting cyclists’ bikes for free instead of ticketing the individuals for riding without lights. This proactive measure could save lives and prevent injury.
When: Monday, October 30th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Where: On the Custis Trail adjacent to Lee Highway between North Lynn Street and Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA.
Background: BikeArlington and the Arlington County Police Department want to create an awareness among cyclists that they need to be visible in the dark to prevent crashes and injury. BikeArlington is a program created by Arlington County Commuter Services to promote more cycling more often in the County. The program's Web site is BikeArlington.com.
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.