Today, while clearing the snow from the section between Deer Creek Canyon Road and the trail into my sub-division which falls in the crack between County and Home Owners Association snow clearing responsibility, a number of riders passed me. While this is normal on a warm day in December, what did surprise me was the large percentage of riders wearing dark clothing.
Riding front range canyons this time of year present two problems not encountered during the summer months.
- Bicyclists often must ride in the traffic lanes due to the excess gravel on the shoulders and the edge of the road.
- The sun is low in the sky providing many places where riders and drivers suddenly cross between bright sunlight and comparative darkness.
Riding in dark clothing in the traffic lane in the shadow of the canyon significantly increases the odds that a driver in bright sunlight cannot see you.
I suggest that everyone not wearing at least a reflective yellow or orange outer garment or band should add this to their list to Santa. Additional safety is provided by the latest generation of flashing front and rear lights. I recently bought a particularly effective half watt intermittent flashing led rear light for $25.
