On my way home from a meeting this evening, I passed at least four cyclists, two of whom were cycling two-abreast and none of whom had reflectors or lights on their bikes, light-coloured clothing or anything else that made them visible from any appreciable distance. And they were on relatively dark sections of road, so they were even more invisible.

According to the Highway Traffic Act…

Lights and reflectors on bicycles, etc.

(17) When on a highway at any time from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres or less, every motor-assisted bicycle and bicycle (other than a unicycle) shall carry a lighted lamp displaying a white or amber light on its front and a lighted lamp displaying a red light or a reflector approved by the Ministry on its rear, and in addition white reflective material shall be placed on its front forks, and red reflective material covering a surface of not less than 250 millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in width shall be place on its rear.  2009, c. 5, s. 28 (1).

Penalty

(18) Every person who contravenes subsection (17) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $20.  R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 62 (18).

So, basically, on your bike you have to have a white or yellow head light, a red tail light (or red reflector), and reflective tape on the front and rear forks. None of this stuff is terribly expensive, so there’s no excuse not to have it.

Don’t be an invisible cyclist… buy some lights and reflective tape and use them!