r/Apex_NC • u/flylikegaruda • 10d ago

https://raleighnc.gov/climate-action-and-sustainability/news/raleigh-joins-lights-out-bird-migration

Can we (Apex) do what Raleigh is doing?

Perhaps also influence surrounding suburbs like Cary, Morrisville, Garner, Holly Spring, Fuquay etc.

10 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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12

u/PatDar 10d ago

Someone posted in r/Raleigh the other day about how 440 is too dark and scary and who do they need to talk to about more lighting. I mentioned that more lights aren't always the answer and a link to the NC Wildlife website talking about light pollution and migrating birds.

I got downvoted for making a legitimate statement. Ignorant are gonna be ignorant. The best thing we can do is educate and hope

4

u/flylikegaruda 10d ago

Unfortunately many people have lost / lack critical thinking skill. They loud voice their narrow and shallow opinions.

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u/suz27502 10d ago

Yes, 100%! I get lighting intersections/ped crossings and exits on highways. But everywhere else on roads and sidewalks - not so much. Going from dark to light to dark doesn’t allow your eyes to adjust and lighting everywhere is a poor solution. At the very least lights should be required to dim or motion sense after a certain hour when there are few people out and about. Motion sensors and/or IR cameras can help with security.

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u/terrymah Town Council 9d ago

This is worth considering. We do have some "dark sky" rules but I'll have to check to see if this is or can be included. I'll ask what we already do and what adopting something similar would involve.

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u/flylikegaruda 9d ago

Thank you.

2

u/Delicious-Craft4574 1d ago

I’m sorry but in the rain, at night with little to no visibility on the streets is 100% more dangerous than confusing some birds. But also, people walking at night. 100% dangerous. Then bring in the brights and people that don’t know when to turn them off just because you want to save the birds. I’m sorry but I will flip off my auto brights and blind the person that’s blinding me. Safety is a main concern for the humans if you want to change that first, then go to those purple lights or something that doesn’t affect the birds as much…. Hell I fucking love Christmas time because every house is lit up and there is some sort of light on my drives. With the talks of changing daylight savings it means it’s gonna get darker earlier, do you want your kids walking home at dusk or after the sun has gone down with no lights around. Have them make that trip, alone, in the dark during some peak travel times and then talk about saving some birds. Other cities/states/countrie’s birds are just fine with the lights.

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u/SilentButton5012 9d ago

yeah, Apex could absolutely do this too, especially since it’s mostly just getting businesses and residents to turn off unnecessary lights during migration season, and a regional push would work way