Whatever bike you are riding, seeing and being seen is a necessity. Helmets protect your head, and bike lights protect your whole body. Before buying your bike lights, there are some important things you have to bear in mind. Here are some of them:
Regulations about bike lights
Regulations about bike lights vary from place to place (doing your research about your hometown regulations is highly recommended). But generally, you can attach a white LED light in front, and your rear light must be red and visible from 500 feet away.
- If you feel safer with more lights, don’t hesitate to add them. You can attach white lights to your handlebars and helmet.
- Your backlight must be attached under your saddle (on your seat post).
- To place your lights, you can use plastic clips and brackets.
Choosing the right bike lights
- Consult the employees at the store when buying your lights regarding their brightness and how well they help you see or be seen—this is the most important factor in your purchase. So, do not forget to ask!
Battery life tips for bike lights
- Multiple lighting modes (low/high intensity, flashing/blinking mode, also called strobe) require MAX BATTERY LIFE for each setting.
- Using the lowest setting makes your battery last longer, but it is not always the safest option. It is better to spend a little more money and replace your battery when needed.
- Generally, it is preferable to adjust your light to its highest setting.
- For mountain biking (especially at night), you need an EXTREMELY LONG-LIFE BATTERY.
- Buying lights with a charge indicator (which lets you know when your battery is low) is highly recommended if you can afford it. If not, always carry extra batteries with you.
Bike lights for different types of bikers
- For road bikers: Seeing and being seen is the primary goal, so having both a front and a rear light is crucial.
- For mountain bikers: Seeing is the key, so using high-output lamps (attached to your handlebars and helmet) will improve visibility in all directions. Your light should also be strong enough to withstand falls in the forest.
Riding your bike at night—whether in the city or the woods—can be as fun and safe as riding in daylight if you make the right choices and equip your bike and helmet with the necessary lights.
So, dear bike lovers, make the dark a friend of yours and enjoy your ride!