2023
This year’s I Light HFX ride will take place on Saturday, November 4th at 6:00 PM. Sponsorship provided by Wagner’s Law. Event is FREE, but registration is required.
Volunteers: We are currently seeking volunteers to help with marshaling, music and photography. If you are interested, please contact Justine at justine.mcmillan@cyclehalifax.ca.
Details
Date: Saturday, November 4th, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM (Prizes at 6:15pm, Ride starts at 6:30pm, Post-Ride Gathering at 7:30pm)
Location: Cathedral Church of All Saints on Cathedral Lane (near Victoria Park). Come to the HCC tent when you arrive to check in.
Cost: FREE (donations accepted). Register here. Registration required to be considered for prizes.
Prizes: The most creative and brightest bikes will be awarded prizes valuing up to $100! Pre-registration also gives entry into a draw for door prizes!
Food: Hot drinks will be provided before the ride by Java Blend and after the ride by Cathedral Church. Juice, cookies and chips will also be available after the ride.
Bathrooms: *New this year* We will have access to the bathrooms inside Cathedral Church before and after the ride.
Post-Ride Gathering: For anyone interested in hanging out (and warming up) after the ride, we have arranged to use the Great Hall at Cathedral Church. Hot drinks and snacks will be available for FREE.
Route: The ride will be about 6 km (see route) clockwise loop through downtown.
Supporters
Several businesses and organizations support the I Light HFX campaign and we couldn’t do it without them! Thanks to our lead sponsor Wagner’s Law, our coffee provider (Java Blend) and our prize providers (Halifax Cycles, Mountain Equipment Company and Long Alley Bikes). Our light giveaway is supported by Halifax Cycles.
What is I Light HFX?
The Halifax Cycling Coalition has been putting on the yearly I Light HFX ride since 2016. Inspired by Cycle Toronto’s Get Lit campaign, and HUB Cycling’s Bike the Night event, we want to help make it safer for people to ride bikes at night.
The I Light HFX campaign aims to bring visibility to cycling after dark, and to build community around cycling year-round. The campaign includes a community ride with lit up and decorated bikes, free light giveaways, and raising funds for the Halifax Cycling Coalition. We host the campaign in the fall when the evenings become darker earlier, and we don’t want anyone to get left in the dark.
The community ride is a fun way to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get creative in lighting up their bikes as brightly as possible, and riding together through our city. We give out prizes for the brightest bikes to encourage people to have fun with it!
Bike Light FAQ
Do I need bike lights?
Nova Scotia law required that bikes be equipped with a white light at the front of your bike and a red reflector or red light at the rear. Although the law only requires a reflector in the back, we recommend a red rear light while riding in low visibility conditions. This is required if cycling at night, starting within 30 minutes before dusk and up to 30 minutes after sunrise.
When should I use bike lights?
Lights are required at night, starting within 30 minutes before dusk and up to 30 minutes after sunrise. However, many people choose to use lights at all times to increase their visibility on the road, much like vehicles now use lights at all times. Some choose to use flashing lights during daytime, and near dusk and dawn, while choosing to use solid non-flashing lights in the dark. An explainer on that here. More on how to choose bike lights here.
But it is getting colder out!
Join us and extend your riding season! Good bike lights will support you in extending your riding season as the days grow shorter. Visit our page about cycling in winter for some tips and adjustments that you can make for a safer and more comfortable ride.