The Safety Light at Night bill requires a rear red light during nighttime hours, either on the bike or on the bicyclist, that is visible from 500 feet away. The current law requires a front white light and a rear red light or rear reflector. Because basic bike lights have become more inexpensive over recent years, and are often distributed through give-away programs, we do not feel that this law will place an undue burden on any person who tours on a bike.
Lights at night greatly increase visibility of people who ride bikes. A BikeTexas review of 317 Texas DPS bicyclist fatality records for the period 2002-08 revealed that approximately 52% of bicycle fatalities occurred in low-light or dark conditions.
As with the Safe Passing bill, BikeTexas sees great value in the educational opportunities afforded by this bill. We will continue to work with legislators and public safety departments across Texas to make sure they understand the needs of people who ride bikes in Texas.