Lights and Reflectors

The best safety practice is to not ride your bike at night. But, if you do choose to ride in the dark, you must have lights and reflectors so other can see you. Even if you are riding on a path that does not have automobiles or if the area has a bunch of street lights, most states have made it a law that lights and reflectors are required.

Just recently I started to cycle every morning rather than running (easier on the knee joints). During the summer months I would start around 5:30 in the morning. In June and July there is plenty of light as the sun is beginning to rise. But, mid August is a different story. Funny how seasons and the earth’s rotation causes the sun beams to shine later in the morning. This resulted in me using a headlamp on top of my helmet for a few times just to see the trail in front of me. This worked ok, but was not the best setup to have as the beam only went out about 50 feet in front of me. This does not give very much reaction time when a deer jumps in front of you as your cruising downhill… trust me. Eventually I purchased a headlight and taillight combo from the local store. Highly recommend this as the beam in front of me is now 400 feet which allows better reaction time along with warning cars and people of your presence both in front and behind you.

There are many options of different types of setups for lights and reflectors on your bicycle. I highly recommend a rechargeable USB white head beam along with a flashing red tail light. Your cycle, by law, should have been sold to your with reflectors on the front, back, both tires, and on the pedals. If not, I also highly recommend installing any missing reflectors for your protection if riding near roads.

Most of all, stay safe. If your gear is not working, don’t ride.