October - Illuminating a Dark Commute

Because daylight savings time ends this month and days are getting shorter, you may find yourself riding in the dark for your morning or evening commute. Now is a good time to re-visit some safety tips for cycling after dark and buy or check lights and reflectors.

A few things you'll need...

A white headlight on the front of the bicycle is required for riding at night. Your bicycle should also have a red taillight, reflector or both. These features help make you more visible to motorists and help you see well enough to avoid hazards.

The type of headlight you need depends on where and how fast you will be riding. Your headlight should be bright enough to light your path and your taillight and reflectors are used to alert motorists of your presence. Having both a headlight and taillight is extremely important, as the headlights of an automobile approaching from the side will not illuminate bicycle reflectors.

Most bicycles come with reflectors that are too small to provide adequate visibility in many circumstances. Larger reflectors (from an automotive store) can provide better visibility. Be sure to keep reflectors clean!

Night Riding Tips...

Because you will be unable to make eye contact with drivers while cycling at night, flash your headlight if you need to get a driver's attention.

Avoid potentially dangerous, deserted locations after dark to reduce the risk of crime. Residential or business districts, even with more automobile traffic, may be safer alternatives.

Remember that a higher percentage of nighttime drivers may have been drinking, and therefore have a reduced reaction time. Motorists may also suffer from fatigue or poor night vision.

Although the car-bicycle collision rate is higher at night than during the day, most of these collisions involve cyclists lacking the proper nighttime equipment or engaging in risky behavior. ~ Adapted from Street Smarts and Night Cycling

Products:

Reflective gear, headlights, taillights, lighting accessories