No matter how hard we try to trick ourselves into brighter, longer days there is no denying that the mornings and evenings are getting darker. Since low-light scenarios pose safety concerns for runners, we asked Queen St West ambassador, Heather Gardner, for five tips for keeping safe when running at dusk and dawn.

1. always carry a cell phone and identification

This tip is number one no matter what time of year you run. Always keep your cell phone and driver's license on you while out running. Whether you need the help or a fellow runner does, knowing you can make the call brings peace of mind and keeps you safe. Consider adding an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact to your phonebook. That way if something does go wrong a stranger will know who to call for you.

2. choose a well-lit route

Run in areas that are well lit and always bustling with other runners. This means saving those reclusive, isolated routes for daylight, and sticking to the main streets when it’s dark. Also, consider rocking a head lamp. It's perfect for mid run dance parties but also great so that other traffic on the road or sidewalks will see you. You'll also be able to better identify uneven surfaces (hey, sometimes even the best of us get tripped up).

3. be seen

There’s more to putting together a great run outfit than just simply something that matches. Wear colours that will let cyclists, drivers and even other runners and pedestrians know you’re there. Whites, yellows and even shades of orange will have you being seen. Lots of run gear has reflectivity built right in so be strategic about how you’re layering it. Make sure  reflective taping remains visible. You can also consider adding your own reflective strips. When it comes to staying safe, the more the better.

4. keep it close to home

Running at dawn or dusk is not the time to try a new route. Rather than a big 10km route, why not do a double 5km? Stick close to home should you need or want to stop. This also ensures that you’re familiar with the neighbourhood and every crack and corner on your route.

5. join a group!

As they say, there's strength (and motivation and fun) in numbers so if you’re happy running as part of a group, it’s definitely safest (need a group? Check in with your local lululemon store). If a group just ain’t your thang…let a few people know that you’re heading out, the estimated duration of your run and where you're going.

6. unplug

Though some of us rely on blaring tunes to keep us distracted from the burning in our quads, if you're running alone in the dark it's a good idea to leave your headphones at home.  Another option if you can't run without music is to have it playing out loud, instead of wearing earbuds (though you'll need to be okay with your guilty pleasure playlist being shared with the world). Either way, being in tune with your surroundings is key. *Special thanks to our guests on Facebook for suggesting this additional safety tip!

Stay safe out there runners! Any other tricks for running safely in low-light?

With Independence and Canada Days upon us again, now is the time for lighting short fuses attached to paper tubes of gunpowder and running away as fast as we can to enjoy them from a 'safe' distance. The debate over whether fireworks are a valuable tradition or a dangerous nuisance is nearly as old as the countries themselves. Let's make sure we all stay safe this year.

injury

Just like oil and water, fireworks and alcohol don’t mix. Children and fireworks don’t mix well either, kinda like nitrogen and glycerin (they can look at each other but don’t let them touch).

pollution

Pollution around fireworks celebrations always raises red flags (and it’s not just the plastic cups and used explosives). Stopping to think about it, firing a cardboard tube with gunpowder into the air must be one of the most inventive (and socially acceptable) ways of littering.

fire risk

Canada Day’s and Independence Day’s fireworks cause greater concern than their mid-winter, New Year’s counterparts (especially as droughts stretch across parts of the continent) . If you’re celebrating with fireworks at home (rather than enjoying the public displays) make sure you take safety precautions. Pyrotechnicians - that’s the fancy term for fireworks professionals - take factors like wind strength and direction into account. They also shoot their displays higher into the air to reduce the chance of live embers falling on dry grass and leaves.

think safe

before

• Check out your local fireworks regulations.
• Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for dousing on fireworks that don't ignite.
• Choose a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves or grass.

during

• Make sure everyone's out of range before lighting.
• Keep unlit fireworks away from live fireworks.
• Never have any portion of your body over a firework while lighting.
• Never light fireworks in a container (especially glass or metal container).

after

• Don't try to relight malfunctioning fireworks.
• Wait 30 minutes before picking up used fireworks.
• Soak old fireworks in water before throwing them away.

Happy Candepence Day weekend everybody.

we asked

We’re looking for suggestions for first time riders. What’s the best bike for a casual ride?
- @lululemon

you answered

• Anything with 2 wheels and brakes! As long as you're out riding, the kind of bike does not matter. But a city cruiser is great. - @tpieprzak
• I have an Electra cruiser ~ perfect for exploring city or country areas. Plus, their paint jobs are so unique and playful! -@bySutton
• I love my bike, it is a Diamondback Edgewood. It is a hybrid between a cruiser and a road-bike. - @thekelseyadele
• Trek PDX, FX or 700 series. All affordable, comfy and zippy rides. - @sunnypickels247

we asked

Road warriors: share your bike safety tips with us. We’ll share the best ones with everyone!
- @lululemon

you answered

• Always make eye contact with drivers, especially at intersections. That makes them doubly aware of your presence! - @candrews
• Basic but protect your lemon, always wear a helmet! Bike on the right, pass on the left & let people know with an 'on your left’. - @starsinthecity
• Do NOT ride on the shoulder, too much debris and too easy to run off. use a lane, share the road means share, not hide. - @daynya
• Ride in a predictable manner and remember that your bike tends to follow the direction your head turns. Predictable=safe. -@raflopez
• Communication, communication, communication. Hand signals and verbally for other riders. -@jacqimoore

Want to share your wisdom in 140 characters or less? Follow us on Twitter. If you'd like to suggest a topic, feel free to email askanexpert@lululemon.com. See you next week!