Light Up Your Bike, Be Seen, Be Safe

Cycling is enjoying a resurgenceof interest as factors combine to makelow cost, low carbon alternative methods of transport attractive to many. Added to this is its growing popularity as a recreational activity. This isfuelled in part by the higher level of media exposurebig cycling events now enjoy along with the celebrity status of those at the very pinnacle of professional cycling.

Cycling Safety As a leisure cyclist, I view cycling safety from a car driver’s viewpoint. In other words, I am conscious of my vulnerability as a cyclist on the road, and I am conscious of my shortcomings perhaps as a driver. I don’t mean I’m a deliberately casual or careless driver, but I do know I can be distracted or that my attention may wander from time to time. I defy anyone to claim that this cannot happen to them. The implications of this for a cyclist, as opposed to any other vehicle, who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, would potentially result in a much more serious outcome.

Cyclists are especially, ‘though not exclusively, vulnerable when cycling in the dark or in poor light. Essentially, they have to stand out in all conditions day and night. Key to achieving this is visibility, and in poor light conditions this in turn means adequate bicycle lighting. So what is the best bike light and how do you measure light. What is the primary function of the light - to allow you to see or to ensure that you are seen? Possibly you need both, the former for the front light and the latter argument for the rear light. And what about 360 degree visibility?

Be Seen On Your Bike If we think about the fact that to attract attention, bicycle lights have to compete with all other forms of lighting and distractions on our roads at night – principally other traffic but also street lights, advertising signs, motorway informationetc. Add the factor of wet conditions and you will find that water reflects and therefore multiplies all of these sources of light creating an even more challenging situation for your bicycle light to stand out. Most bicycle lighting would I contend, fall way short of achieving parity with all of these in terms of being noticed.

When you are about to purchase a bike light it pays to carry out some research beforehand. Otherwise you will switch one on in a well lit shop, hold it around two feet from your face and think, “wow, that’s bright”. Pay attention also when you’re out driving at night, and watch out for cyclists to note just how effective their lights are, particularly in busy roads with lots of other light sources, and also measure how quickly they become ineffective as the distance between you and the bike increases.

Logic would suggest that bike lights have to be the equal of other vehicles’ lighting if not better. After all, a cyclist’s mass is already so much less than any other vehicle using the road.

How to Recognise the Best Bike Light for you. So how do you find the best bike light? The problem for buyers is that there is no industry standard for measuring light effectiveness – taking account of intensity, spread and reach of beam. The best way is to do as much research on the internet as possible looking for companies that can demonstrate a comparison of how their lights perform. If you ordered on the internet, and the product fails to impress, you should in most cases be able to return the product – depending on the company’s terms and conditions. If you physically go into store to buy, you can ask the store if they will they allow you to exchange them for something more effective if they do not meet the standard you require. After all, they could save your life. What could be more important?