Lights for Life

I briefly mentioned the 'Lights for Life' program in a post a few years ago. At that time, the initiative to provide bike lights to riders in need of them was just getting started in Greenville (with the first few batches of lights generously donated by Charleston attorney Peter Wilborn). Since that time, Bikeville.org volunteers have continued to stage 'Lights for Life' events on a regular basis at churches, rescue missions, and shelters around Greenville. The program has expanded beyond rear flashing LED lights to include front lights and helmets for those bicyclists who need them the most. Volunteers also pump up tires, lube chains, and provide basic maintenance to those often overlooked riders who rely on their bikes for transportation everyday.

Yesterday, along with a few other Bikeville volunteers, I participated in my first "Lights for Life" event at the downtown Greenlink Transit Station (hard to believe that after 5 years as a Bikeville member this was my first one). We provided free lights and helmets to 15 to 20 riders and covered a few basic points of bike safety with each of them (ride with traffic, use the lights at night, wear a helmet, etc.). Most of the people who we met last night were very appreciative of the lights and the help. Some of them had been through a rough day, but it was great to see the smiles as their lights were installed or helmets were fitted. That good feeling was mutual too...it really is great to make someone's day while also making them safer out there on the road. 'Lights for Life' is just one of the many programs that make me proud to be a Bikeville member and volunteer.  Find out more about Bikeville on the website… and look for the contact link if you want to get involved.