OCEAN CITY, MD – (March 13, 2018): The Ocean City Police Department recently received forty bicycle lights to be distributed to Ocean City residents in an effort to improve bicycle safety in the resort. Any Ocean City resident that rides a bike at night and does not have headlights and tail lights is encouraged to bring their bike to the Ocean City Public Safety Building, 6501 Coastal Highway, to have a set of lights installed by police personnel at no charge. Funding for the lights was provided to the Ocean City Green Team by the Ocean City Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Association.
In 2017, over half of all bicycle collisions occurred during the nighttime hours. Many of these collisions could have been avoided if the bicycle was properly equipped with the required lights. “It can be nearly impossible for drivers to see cyclists that are not equipped with proper lights,” commented Patrol Commander, Captain Michael Colbert. “Not only is it illegal to ride at night without lights, but violators put their safety in danger when taking this risk.”
Ocean City residents can have a free set of bicycle lights by visiting the Ocean City Public Safety Building with their bicycle at any time. Officers will also be stopping violators riding their bicycles at night without lights installed on their bikes and provide them with lights.
The OCPD expects to receive additional lights in the coming months and will continue this initiative through the summer season.
###
