Hello all,

I'm a most-of-the-time driver who commutes by bike when possible. My concern comes from my experience as a driver in Chicago.


I have seen SO MANY CYCLISTS riding in the dark (after 3 or 4 now) with all grey or black clothes, no reflectors, and no blinky lights.


If this is you, please know that you are INVISIBLE. Everyone's windows and mirrors have a glaze of salt spray. Wet streets and surfaces reflect headlights and traffic lights, you are lost in that mirror unless you have the brightest possible BLINKING lights front and back. Blinking in the front so we can see you in our rear and side mirrors and know you are a bike and not to turn, park, or switch lanes into you. Blinking in the back so we know we are approaching a bike and can give you space. Bright enough to see from space!


The cheap little light pinned to a backpack doesn't cut it. Even with spotless windows, it's hard to see you. Especially with the way cars are designed now, all blind spots!


Sorry to be a nag and a lecturer but it is so scary to see bikes out on Ashland, under that tree cover, delivery trucks and parking cars everywhere, at rush hour. The white ghost bikes all over town are heartbreaking. Please help us see you! What else can be done to get the word out?


With respect and admiration for your all-weather moxie,


A concerned neighbor