Halifax cyclists urged to be prepared as darkness descends

Cyclists in the Halifax area are being urged to ensure they are visible at night now that the time change means many will be commuting home in the dark.

"It's much like people waiting for the first snowfall to put their snow tires on," said Mark Beaver of Cyclesmith, one of Halifax's largest cycling shops.

Many cyclists have been preparing, coming into the store since early October, Beaver said. They're buying bike lights, reflective vests and bands, clothing and flags. 

"Leg bands that go around your pant legs, moving up and down as you pedal [are] very attention getting," he said. 

Lights are sold for as little as $15 and can make a big difference in whether cyclists are visible in the dark.

'Death wish'

Beaver has been a cyclist for decades and says despite the influx of customers in October, some cyclists don't prepare for commuting in the dark.

"Those folks have a bit of a death wish," he said. "They just don't understand how invisible they are to drivers who are looking for big car lights. They're not looking for someone dressed all in black riding their bike in the dark."

Long-time cyclist Geoff Brown is one of those who forgot about the impact of the time change. He planned to purchase a bike light on Monday after talking to CBC News. But he makes other changes, too.

"When I'm biking this time year after dark I assume anyone in a car does not see me," he said. "I'm looking to make eye contact. I change how I ride basically."

Ann Famaran's bike is her main form of transportation from her home to classes at Dalhousie University. Classes usually end at 5:30 p.m., which means biking home in the dark.

"I have headlights here that I just got and a light [for the back of my bike], as well," she said as she pulled the items out of her backpack. 

"People see me and I also have this reflector that helps drivers see me in the dark."

Famaran said she is extra cautious now because she cycled one night without a light and was almost struck by a car. 

"I get really scared at night," she said.