Be Safe. Be Seen: Why Visibility Matters More in Fall & Winter
As the days get shorter and evenings grow darker, choosing to walk, bike, or roll brings a new challenge: staying visible. With the time change bringing earlier sunsets, many of us find ourselves travelling home while it's already dark. That makes visibility not just helpful, but essential for safety.
Research shows that people wearing reflective gear can be seen from up to 700 feet away. For perspective, that's about the length of two football fields! Without it, someone in dark clothing might not be visible until they're fewer than 100 feet away. On busy roadways, that difference can save lives.
Why Visibility Matters
Drivers rely heavily on sight, and even well-lit streets can have shadows or blind spots. Rain, snow, and glare from headlights can make it even harder to see pedestrians and cyclists. Increasing visibility gives drivers more time to slow down, react, and share the road safely.
Simple Ways to Increase Visibility
Wear reflective accessories
Clip-on lights, reflectors, vests, stickers, reflective laces, or bands all make a big difference.
Use proper bike lights
Cyclists are required by law to use front white lights and rear red lights or reflectors 30 minutes before sunset and until 30 minutes after sunrise.
Choose brighter or lighter-coloured clothing
Even small pops of bright colour help drivers spot you sooner.
Stay alert
Remove headphones and avoid distractions like texting, scrolling, or reading while walking or rolling. Being fully aware of your surroundings keeps you safer — and helps you respond quickly.
Add reflectors to kids' clothing and backpacks
Kids walking to school can be harder to see, especially in rainy or snowy weather. Reflective patches and lights make a big difference.
Whether you're heading to school, commuting to work, or enjoying an evening walk, being visible makes all road users safer. Active transportation keeps us healthy and connected to our community, so let's make sure we can do it safely year-round.
