The Bicycle Workshop

Biking in the late summer, early fall is my favorite time. The days get hot but the mornings and afternoons are crisp. Maine at it’s finest. The only bugger is that my commute ride can start to bump into low light situations. That’s not a big deal, but one that needs to be tackled head on.

The law says you have to have lights on your bike on the road. A white one in front and a red one in back, each visible at least 200 feet away. Reflectors are required too and are not enough on their own.

Most bike/car collisions occur because the cyclist created a dangerous situation and the leading one is being invisible. A bike on the road at night, without adequate lights and reflectors is clearly more likely to get hit by a car.

So if you don’t have it already, you will need to get yourself some gear. Here is a list of the things to get and why they matter.

Lights: A basic headlight is 2 – 3 watts and is enough to be seen but not to see with. Look at a 10 watt or higher halogen light on the front. They throw a good beam and motorists notice them. Get a rechargeable model that will last for at least your whole commute time. Most have a battery that goes in a water bottle holder, which works well. Then get a second headlight. This should be a little LED blinky light. It should also go on the front of your bike. It helps approaching cars realize you are a bike, not a motorcycle in the distance. It’s also your back up light.

On the back, get a red LED light. Flashing or steady is fine. But realize, that on the road, they look like a motorcycle taillight far in the distance, so you need to do more.

Check out a reflective/lighted ankle strap. Mine cost about $12 at LL Bean. It didn’t look like much in the store but it is amazing on the road. Plus, no other thing on the road has a motion like a cyclist’s foot going up and down while pedaling. It’ll get noticed.

Reflectors on your pedals are great. Again, it’s the pedaling motion. Motorists notice it right away. You also want them on the front, back and sides. Some tire sidewalls have reflectors built in, which work really well. Otherwise stick some reflectors in your spokes. It’s an unmistakable motion going down the street. Remember reflective tape too, it’s lighter and more versatile than the plastic reflectors and can work where others cant.

Don’t forget your body. A bright lime green/yellow jersey or jacket is an essential riding accessory in low light. As it goes to no-light though, put on a reflective vest or jacket over it. The goal here is to be seen.

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