Published: 11/6/2020 4:12:42 PM
TURNERS FALLS — In an effort to encourage bicycle safety, especially as the darker months approach, a local bike shop gave away free bike lights to customers Thursday.
The giveaway was in partnership with the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike), a statewide advocacy group of which Nik Perry, owner of Sadie’s Bikes, sits on the local chapter.
Perry, who had about 20 lights to give away at his shop on Canal Street on Thursday afternoon, said he’s seen an increased interest in bicycle riding since the pandemic hit the region. It’s been a way for people to get out of the house, he said, and to connect with the environment and their community.
“Part of that is bicycle safety,” Perry said. “Especially this time of year — cars will be able to see you and avoid you.”
What’s more, he said, it’s the law in Massachusetts for bicyclists to have a white front light at night, in addition to a red rear reflector.
The Greenfield resident, who opened the shop about seven months ago, said he’d given away at least half of the lights in the first hour of the giveaway.
“MassBike does it annually,” Perry said. “If they’re going to be doing it every year, I’d like to.”
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne