Autumn's Here! Gloves On, Lights Checked?
And like that I’ve stopped wearing shorts on my commute. Not just on my commute, I also then wear them all day in the office, but the drop in temperature, changing colours of trees and shortening of the days means only one thing: you’ve got it! Random people telling you they can’t see you in the street.
Obviously I’m joking (totally not joking, a friend who was riding on his bike yesterday was told by someone looking at him that he couldn’t be seen, despite wearing a jacket complete with reflective strips, and riding a bike with front and rear lights and reflectors. Better go to SpecSavers.). Seriously, though, it’s this time of year that you’re most likely to get caught out needed to cycle home in fading light, or worrying about whether the battery on your light will last.
It should be noted that the need for lights on a bike is a requirement in the Highway Code at night:
Rule 60
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.
Anyway, following a request on the website we’ve written this blog. Here’s a few tips when cycling in fading light or at night:
If you’re cycling on lit streets your lights are more about being seen than seeing where you’re going. Modern LED lights are reasonably priced, and we’d recommend going for something you can recharge via USB.
If you’re cycling on unlit streets, typically out of built up areas, it’s worth getting a decent front light. This can transform cycling in the dark from being stressful to being wonderful (watch this space for the Bike Worcester Dusk till Dawn ride dressed as vampires). Often these have multiple brightness settings so they can be adjusted to save battery when you’re back under streetlights. Also be mindful that these can be bright enough to dazzle drivers and pedestrians, so be mindful of your angle of dangle.
We’d also recommend having a plan B for when the batteries go. This can be a spare set of lights (and then maybe a spare set for the spare set) but also cycling with another person is also safer than cycling without lights.
Gold standard option is to get a hub dynamo and fixed lights. Although this is likely to set you back a few hundred spondoolas you’ll find the lights are better, and there’s no anxiety regarding running out of battery (although I still carry spare lights). Some systems also allow you to charge your mobile on the go.
We’d recommend removing your lights if you park up anywhere in public; they can be nicked in a jiffy and then you can be in a pickle if you need to get home after dark (first hand experience of this one)
You’re probably going to be wearing an outdoor jacket or one specifically design for cycling, but if not, it’s worth considering this. They’re often a bright(ish) colour which aids visibility in the day, and have reflective strips or panels which aid visibility at night. If you’ve use paniers or a rucksack these also sometimes have reflective panels, and even some tyres have reflective side walls. Other options are reflective stickers, or reflective spoke covers.
Probably the most important thing is to assume drivers haven’t seen you, and ride accordingly. It’s likely to have nothing to do with your clothes, lights or reflectability, but more likely to do with the driver not looking. SMIDSY’s (sorry mate I didn’t see you) as an excuse for drivers hitting people riding bikes is lame, and demonstrates the drivers poor judgement and lack of ability. If you’re interested in improving your urban cycling skills and knowledge, Bike Worcester run regular Bikeability sessions; visit this page, and fill in the appropriate form.
Finally, spread the word. If I’m with someone who doesn’t have lights, I’ll lend them my spares. Perhaps more important is to remind drivers (I am one) that there are many more obligations in the Highway Code with regard to the maintenance and operation of motor vehicle lights, not least that all the lights must be working. Try counting the number of motor vehicles with faulty lights next time you’re out; it’s quite disturbing. Oh, and if anyone stops you to say they can’t see you, maybe ask them if they also approach people in cars to advise them they’ve got a headlight out.
Most importantly, keep riding, and stay safe.
