Toronto cyclists can pick up a free bike light tonight

Toronto cyclists can pick up a free rear and front bike light Tuesday evening as part of Cycle Toronto's Get Lit! Campaign.

"When you're out in the dark, you're often invisible to motor vehicles," said Cycle Toronto executive director Jared Kolb.

Volunteers will be stationed in front of the Toronto Public Library at College and Shaw streets between 6:30 and 9 p.m.

"They'll flag down cyclists who are riding by who are unlit," said Kolb, explaining that volunteers will offer them a couple of bike lights in exchange for a chat about safe riding.

Kolb also said that since bike lights are easy to forget or lose, it's important to take extra steps to be safe.

"As a back up it's important to have reflectors as well," he said.

This year, the campaign is being supported by the city as part of its road safety plan.

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) says one out of three cyclists deaths occur when it is dark out.