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Sport Stars Get Serious About Bicycle Safety

If you are a regular SDOT blog reader you know the city launched its Be Super Safe, Seattle! campaign last summer. You might have also read about our Safety Elves and how easily collisions in the Center City can be avoided during the holiday season. Today we wanted to share the story of Lebron James from the Miami Heat who bicycles to and from games, supplements his exercise regime and makes sure he is safe.

The basketball star rides a bike to and from games and practices. The rides supplement his workouts. Typically it takes him 45 minutes to get to the arena, but if he really pushes it he can arrive in 30. Lebron believes he’s in the best shape of his life and as Chris Tmasson of Fox Sports states, ‘It’s hard to argue considering James’ 22 points in Tuesday’s 103-92 win over Minnesota marked the 43rd consecutive playoff or regular-season game in which he’s tallied 20 or more.”

Lebron who has biked to and from nighttime games says he is careful when riding in the dark and uses bike lights. In Washington State every bicycle being used in the dark must be equipped with a lamp on the front. It should emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front. The bicycle should also have a red reflector on the seat and be visible at all distances up to six hundred feet when directly in front of a motor vehicle.

Bicycle lights alert motorists that you are sharing the road with them and help keep you safe. If you are wondering where you can purchase lights, take a look at SDOT’s Bicycle Map which includes a list of shops. Visit our web site and download one or request a map using our online form.

Have a safe and happy new year!