This year, the week that includes Halloween corresponds with Be Bright at Night Awareness Week in Squamish.
Squamish's mayor and council have declared the week of Oct. 27 to Nov. 2 as a week for local residents to be aware of the need to wear reflective and/or light-coloured clothing, to carry lights. The District of Squamish is promoting awareness alongside those with the Squamish Trails Society, the RCMP, School District 48, the Squamish Chamber of Commerce, the Squamish Youth Centre, Helping Hands and a variety of local retailers.
Cyclists and pedestrians who venture out at night are being urged to wear bright clothing and reflective gear to ensure that they are seen by motorists and others.
"This is an important community issue and one that council is pleased to see such a campaign being launched for," Mayor Rob Kirkham said in a statement. "Most of us can recall an instance when you encounter a cyclist or pedestrian who you're not able to see until the very last minute. It's shocking when you realize how close they are to you, and leads to the unsettling question of 'what if'."
Prismatic reflectors, generously supplied by ICBC, are being given away at various community events. The reflectors are also available at municipal hall, Brennan Park Recreation Centre and the Squamish Seniors' Centre.
Widespread distribution of such reflectors has been successful in Scandinavian countries and has dramatically decreased fatalities simply by making prismatic reflectors readily available, organizers said.
