Move Santa Barbara County hosts bike light giveaways

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Bicycle lights are being given out to cyclists in need of lights while supplies last.

Move Santa Barbara County brought back "Iluminando La Noche" or Light Up The Night this week.

It's a five day event.

Organizers gave out 100 pairs of bike lights on Milpas on Monday night and another 100 on State Street on Tuesday.

On the Westside Wednesday volunteers and Move staff ran out of lights in about an hour.

They move on to Carpinteria and Isla Vista on Thursday and Goleta on Friday.

The giveaways start around 5 p.m.

Cyclists riding near San Andres and Micheltorena on Wednesday evening had them installed on the spot.

Program Director Barry Remis said the events are intended to help cyclists be more visible during the long winter nights.

Vanessa Garcia could see the giveaway from her house.

"My mom was saying they are giving out free bike light and said you should get light for your sister," Garcia, " she is going to be safe when she rides her bike."

Daniel Muñoz saw the giveaway as he rode across the Micheltorena St. bridge.

"I ride to work, to school and everywhere and the beach for exercise," said Muñoz.

They also share information about their Bici Centro, the DIY or do-it-yourself bike repair shop on 434 Olive St. in Santa Barbara.

Miles Curtis is the Bici Centro shop manager. Curtis said everyone needs to have lights at night especially bicycle commuters.

Hannah Rose is the Move Education Coordinator.

She wore her late grandmother's bicycle earrings as she put lights on bikes.

Rose also takes bike safety lessons to schools.

The California Highway Patrol is planning a similar giveaway in Isla Vista around the holidays, but officers are still working with UCSB students on a date.

Everyone wants cyclists to be visible to drivers and lights will lead the way.

You will find more information about this weeks event visit https:movesbcounty.org