Get Lit! 2021

Images of bikes with lights. Text reads "Get Lit! Lighting your ride this October. Lead partners Toronto, Vision Zero

 

In addition to the great partners that help us deliver Get Lit!, it wouldn’t be possible without individual members and donors, like you. Every year Get Lit! helps hundreds (this year thousands) of people stay safe and ride more. If you would like to contribute to this initiative, please make a donation now.

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What's Get Lit?

Get Lit! is one of our signature campaigns to help people biking get around safely and confidently. 

We set up our orange tent in different locations around the city and flag down unlit cyclists as they pass, educating them on the importance of bike lights and providing them with a free set for a safe ride home.

Where & when?

We'll be providing lights in the evenings all October to unlit cyclists in different locations across the city, and chatting with them on the importance of seeing and being seen at night. Get Lit! happens around dusk.

2021 Dates:

All event details are subject to change prior to the event and are dependant on weather.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to find out where you can find us on the day!

 

Get Lit! tips

Watch in: Español (Spanish) | 广东话 (Cantonese)

 

As summer turns to fall, shorter daylight hours mean it's more important than ever for people biking to have proper lights and reflective gear on their bicycles. From dusk until dawn it can be difficult to see a person on a bike if they are not properly lit even in well-lit areas.

When should I use bike lights?

The law requires you to use lights from a half hour before dusk until a half hour after dawn. However, many people choose to use lights at all times to increase their visibility on the road.

What colour should my lights be?

Your front light should be white or amber and your rear light should be red. 

Where should I point my lights?

Point your lights slightly down so that they illuminate the road in front of and behind you. If your lights are aimed up they make it hard for other people to see.

Should my lights flash?

No evidence identifies solid or flashing lights as being better for visibility. However, you should make sure your lights don’t flash rapidly. Lights that flash more than three times per second can trigger seizures in some people with photosensitive epilepsy.

How bright should my lights be and how do I tell how bright they are?

Even having the cheapest, dimmest lights make you more visible than riding with none at all. You can tell how bright your lights are by the lumens listed on the package. The higher the number the brighter it is, but keep in mind that very bright lights can make it harder for other people to see. If you regularly ride on unlit trails, opt for a light with a higher lumen count, as there may not be any overhead lights or ambient lights from nearby buildings.

What about reflectors?

Reflective strips are legally required for your bike: white strips should be placed on your front fork and red strips on your seat stays in the rear. 

Using only a red reflector instead of a light for your rear is legal but a working red light is highly recommended. Reflective material is great for making you more visible, but it isn’t an equal replacement for lights. 

 

More Resources

For more information to help make riding more often easier check out cycling resources.

Cycling Resources

Supporters and partners

Our Street Smarts educational initiatives are funded by generous individuals and supported by our longtime partner CultureLink Settlement Services.

Cycle Toronto’s 2021 Get Lit! campaign is supported by Lead Partners City of Toronto and Vision Zero with additional stations powered by Toronto Hydro.