We partner with Bike Lane Uprising in Chicago through their Bike Light Giveaway Program. Bike Lane Uprising orders custom bike lights in bulk and makes them available to organizations like ours specifically for free distribution. In addition to supporting safety initiatives nationwide, Bike Lane Uprising does important work maintaining an app and database that helps document and address bike lane obstructions—strengthening cycling advocacy across communities.

We also purchase lights in bulk from Planet Bike, discounted to support free lights to low-income riders.

Each set of bike lights now costs about $20 per unit, up from around $15 just a short time ago. Recent tariffs have increased manufacturing and import costs, making essential safety gear more expensive across the board.

That price increase may seem small, but it creates a real barrier for riders already struggling to afford basic equipment—which is why our light giveaways matter more than ever.

Reflective tape increases visibility by bouncing light—such as headlights—back toward its source. When applied to bikes, helmets, or clothing, it helps drivers and other road users notice a cyclist sooner, especially at night or in low-light conditions.

Unlike lights, reflective tape doesn’t produce light on its own, but it works passively and continuously, making riders more visible from multiple angles. It’s a simple, low-cost way to improve safety and reduce the risk of crashes.

Safety gear is distributed at advocacy events, vigils, and actions, and directly to riders who need it most.

Advocacy Committee members extend our reach by carrying and distributing bike lights and reflective tape as they move through the community. Want to help us reach more people? We’re looking for volunteers to join us.

We use the funds on bike lights, retroreflective tape, safety vests, branded reflective backpack tags, helmets, and more. Most of the funding is used for bike lights.