TriMet reflector campaign sheds light on visibility

Hundreds of blinking lights handed out to pedestrians, riders

When the clocks rolled back one hour on Sunday morning, the daylight Oregonians have been saving since April gave way to the darkness of Pacific Standard Time falling not long after 5 p.m. each day.

TriMet teams fought back the encroachment by handing out hundreds of blinking light clips and reflective stickers on Monday afternoon at the Beaverton Transit Center on Southwest Lombard Avenue, among other transit-oriented locations in the area. For the fifth consecutive year, the transportation agency teamed with the Oregon Department of Transportation and other community partners for the Be Seen, Be Safe campaign to promote pedestrian and bicyclist visibility and safety.

With three lighted hula-hooping women from Portlands Sparkle Movement spicing up the bustling transit center, TriMet representatives handed out safety lights and reflective stickers while encouraging people to brighten up their attire during the darker fall and winter months.

TriMet hands out about 1,000 blinking reflector lights, which include a clip to affix to clothing and backpacks, as part of its campaign.

We want people to be visible after dark, said Rhonda Danielson, a TriMet marketing coordinator. ODOT stats show that most pedestrian-involved crashes occur during low-light hours. The majority of people involved are those wearing dark clothing. Handing out the blinking lights is a reminder that safety is everyones responsibility.

Roberta Alstadt, a TriMet spokeswoman, noted that enhancing ones visibility helps bus operators see riders waiting for pickup in the dim light of early morning as well as twilight.

For operators, it can be really hard to see people at the stops, she said. It helps to have a light on and if you step up to wave. They dont want to pass up anybody.

Harry Dees, a TriMet operator on the 76 and 78 lines in the Beaverton area admitted it gets frustrating when riders dont do anything to compensate for visibility during the darker times of day.

Some people are dressed in dark clothes and dont move, he said. Theyre doing nothing to assist with getting (safely) on the bus. They stand there like statues and expect me to see them.

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TriMet reflector campaign sheds light on visibility