Tewksbury Police Department Teams up with the BPAC during National Bike Month

The Town of Tewksbury Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and the Tewksbury Police Department are teaming up during National Bike Month (the month of May) to distribute free night time safety gear to riders in need. Tewksbury Police Officers will be stopping night time bike riders operating in violation of the statute and will be distributing the free night time safety gear. The Police Department’s mission will be to increase awareness and improve bike safety.    

“In darkness, an unlit bicycle is often invisible until the last second,” said Brian Ristuccia, BPAC Chairman. “It can make for a close call, not just for the person riding, but also for pedestrians and motor traffic they're sharing the road with. Bike lights are visible from hundreds of feet away, allowing everyone more time to make safe decisions.”

Both the Police Department and BPAC would like to reinforce that lights are basic bicycle safety equipment, and required even for infrequent or short trips at night. Massachusetts law requires bicyclists to use a white front light and red rear light or reflector from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise (Chapter 85/11B). Nearly half of all cycling deaths nationally involve cyclists riding at night without lights, even though only 3% of biking occurs after dark.

Materials for this program were funded by The Town of Tewksbury Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), through a grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC). For more information on the program, contact Officer Jennie Welsh (978)851-7373, EXT 230 or Brian Ristuccia, BPAC Chairman (888) 235-6932.