4 tips for safe cycling at night
Posted on in Business News, Cycles News
In light (or lack of light) of the clocks going back on Saturday, it may feel as if the whole of the UK has been suddenly plunged into darkness.
However, cycling in the dark does not need to be daunting and can become an enjoyable, even exhilarating, experience when efficient preparations are made. Following these tips will help you to stay safe during dark winter nights and take full advantage of your time with the moon.
1. Lights
The number one way to prepare for cycling in the dark is to invest in some good bike lights! According to the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations, it's illegal to cycle on a public road after dark without lights and reflectors, this includes a white light showing from the front of your bike and a red light from the rear. These are important to not only see the road in front of you and your surroundings, but also to ensure that other road users can see you!
Rechargeable battery lights are recommended, it is also important to ensure the battery runtime exceeds the length of your planned journey. It's always better to be safe than sorry and carry backup lights with you at all times.
2. High-visibility clothing
High-visibility clothing includes anything that comes in fluorescent and bright colours to make sure you're spotted, or anything reflective too. Modern cycle jackets are also generally well insulated and breathable to keep you warm on dark winter nights! This is not limited to a bag or jacket, reflective or lit up helmets are also recommended, as well as reflective tape to stick to your bike or pedals- anything that is most likely to catch a motorists eye!
3. Puncture repair kits
Fixing a mechanical in the light is already not very fun, fixing it in the dark can become a real issue- the last thing you want is to be stuck in the dark, pushing your bike home. A full puncture repair kit should be taken with you, as well as any other tools to fix the most common mechanical failures, from spare inner tubes to a well-stocked multi-tool with a chain breaker.
4. Route planning
Whether you are commuting for work, training or riding for fun, roads can often look unfamiliar in the dark so ensure that you learn the route that you are taking ahead of time. This can be done by memorising a route beforehand or taking a phone with you with a maps function. It may also be worth choosing to ride on well-lit roles that have a smoother surface to avoid potholes!
When keeping these 4 tips in mind a late-night cycle can be a great way to stay in shape and enjoy all that the night has to offer, including quieter roads, interesting wildlife and a sense of solitude. If you have any additional tips for riding in the dark please let us know in the comments!
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