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.

“Lights for Life”

Yesterday, I was at the Tour de Georgia team time trial at Road Atlanta. It really was a great stage and I had a lot of fun photographing it. To say that I was excited about the race, and cycling in general, as I drove back to Greenville would be an understatement. To be honest, advocacy was not on my mind as I sorted through and cropped my pictures, but unfortunately it came to the forefront when I checked my email this afternoon. I saw a couple of messages about a tragic cycling fatality that occurred last night in Greenville and the news certainly put a damper on my excitement.

It appears from the news story that a cyclist was killed by an 18-wheeler while riding on White Horse road at around 9:30 pm. I don’t know any details about the accident, and I don’t want to speculate. No matter what the circumstances were, this is a horrible tragedy. If the cyclist was riding at night without lights though, it is all the more reason that we should support the Greenville Spinners new “Lights for Life” project that Michelle James has been putting a lot of effort into lately. Basically, the idea is to give away free rear lights to those who ride for transportation and who really need them. The Spinners are teaming up with the Greenville County Sheriffs Department and the Greenville Police Department to distribute the lights. Charleston cyclist Peter Wilborn, who spoke to the Spinners at a club meeting about bicycle safety and pointed out with statistics how lights can save lives, will supply the lights.

Tim St. Clair sent out a great email about this to the Spinners list, but I want to mention it again for any of you who might not have received it. Next Tuesday, the 29th at 5:30 before the Donaldson ride, Peter and the Spinners will meet with law enforcement and provide them with lights to distribute to those they see riding at night without them. WHFF-TV will be on hand to cover the event, so show up a half hour early for the ride if you can to show support for the “Lights for Life” initiative. Hopefully this effort can save some lives. Thanks to Peter, Michelle and everyone else for making this happen.