Cycling at Night

​

When the clocks go back the darker evenings may mean you get caught out on the way home cycling in the dark, so it’s important to think ahead and pack lights and reflective clothing as a matter of habit once the season starts to turn.

​

The UK legal minimum for riding after dark is:

• one front white light

• one rear red light

• plus the reflectors that should already be on your bike.

 

“ Day or night, if you’re not sure if it’s dark enough for lights it’s always best to put them on. ”

 

Wear reflective clothing

​

Many people who commute to work choose to wear a brightly coloured, reflective waistcoat or a reflective belt as these will make you more visible on darker, rainy or foggy days and after dark.

​

Cycling in towns and cities means that your main concern is being seen by other road users so think about making you and your bike stand out.

​

Consider where you place your lights on your bike so that they can be seen as clearly as possible, particularly by car drivers.

If you regularly cycle in very busy traffic you might want to consider a helmet-mounted light or an additional rear light or reflector on the back of your coat or bag like the easy to position magnetic Claqs.

​

Day or night, if you’re not sure if it’s dark enough for lights it’s always best to put them on.

​

Once they’re fitted make sure your lights and reflectors aren’t obscured by clothing or bags. Even a medium length coat can completely obscure a rear light fixed to your seat post, as can a bulky pannier or crate.

​

Consider putting your rear light where it can always be seen, like attaching a permanent LED pannier rack light.

It’s also worth keeping a backup set of lights at work, such as this Be Bright LED Light Set, and some spare batteries. Or consider investing in a USB rechargeable light set to save on batteries.

​

If you wear a backpack think about how much of your clothing is obscured. You might want to cover it with an all-in-one vest and bag cover.