SAN DIEGO — September 6, 2017 — On September 14th, civic leaders, independent bicycle dealers, bicycle industry representatives and advocates, business owners and political representatives will join forces to announce that Oceanside has become the first city in San Diego County to join the Rider Safety Visibility (RSV) initiative. RSV is a pledge to educate and encourage bicyclists to become more visible and safe whether they are road riding, commuting to work or cycling to school. The second regional RSV Summit will include a social hour starting at 5:30 and program from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Bagby Beer Company, 601 South Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA.
The Summit, co-sponsored by Visit Oceanside and the San Diego Sport Innovators will focus attendees on the latest in RSV technology, including LED helmets with integrated brake and turn signals; day and night time running lights (NiteRider); high visibility clothing and commuter bags; and other RSV technologies that are effective at ensuring that cyclists increase visibility in an increasing era of distracted driving.

“Our embrace of RSV’s goal of keeping bicyclists safe and visible works great in conjunction with our designation as a Bike Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. We are fortunate to be located on one of the most popular and iconic bicycling routes in the US with more than 40 miles of uninterrupted coastline riding from Torrey Pines to Oceanside; and nearly 600 cyclists riding this route daily, on Pacific Street in Oceanside, we want them safe and visible to drivers ensuring that their cycling experience is second to none,” said Leslee Gaul, president/CEO of Visit Oceanside.

Gaul said that Oceanside also hosts such cycling related events as the start of Race Across America, the annual IRONMAN 70.3 and the Bike the Coast— Taste the Coast event in November.

“Cyclists have to take the lead and include lights, integrated light helmets, reflective clothing, and other accessories to identify themselves on the road throughout day or night, said Nathan Fletcher, who will be one of the RSV Summit speakers, and is currently professor of practice in political sciences at UCSD and a former California Assemblyman.

“There is a major push to use bicycles as a way to reduce car trips and improve our environment, at the same time these same cyclists are interacting with traffic in an era of increasingly distracted drivers. Bicyclists today need highly effective and visible options to stack the deck in their favor in terms of being better seen during the day and night. Following Oceanside’s lead we hope to one day designate the entire PCH cycling route as one that encourages and supports RSV for thousands of riders daily,” said Ed Clancy of the San Diego Sports Collective, the event organizer.

Mike Ely, COO of San Diego County-based NiteRider Technical Lighting Systems, emphasized the importance of bicyclists using front and rear lights during the daytime as well as at night. Today, new cars and motorcycles are equipped with daytime running lights to be seen by other motorists. The same reasoning is used for bicyclists using daytime lighting. He said that cost barrier to entry in terms cyclists purchasing bike lighting is been greatly reduced. Ely pointed to a comprehensive display of lighting systems that are available at local retailers.
“Rider Safety Visibility is extremely important to myself and our team,” said Danny Van Haute, manager of the Jelly Belly Cycling Team, based in north San Diego County. “Cyclist safety is not only what I want for my riders but for everyone on a bike.”

Discussion during the upcoming summit will include a call to action for all ages and skills to have visible gear during day and night riding – why cyclist need to act first; and focus on how retailers can create Rider Safety Visibility displays in store to focus consumer attention on the latest products and technologies.

About RSV
The Rider Safety Visibility (RSV) initiative was launched in 2016 to build awareness and improve rider visibility through a framework of cycling-gear and cycling apparel companies, bicycle advocates, alternative transportation and climate action organizations, and business and community leaders.

RSV is executing aggressive digital marketing, community, and public relations programs all in an effort to drive awareness and education about rider visibility and the latest technologies and best practices around rider visibility. Rider Safety Visibility LLC is a group of passionate sports enthusiasts who want to share and support action sports and facilitate an active lifestyle in San Diego. RSV is supported by NiteRider Technical Lighting Systems, Visit Oceanside, SoCalBikes, California Bicycle Inc., and SDCyclingLaw.com. More information on RSV at www.ridersafetyvisibilty.com.