Bicycle Safety Lights - A Guide To Their Form and Function

Why Use Bike Lights?

The Primary Function Of Bicycle Lights

There are two primary and very important functions for your bicycle safety lights.

The obvious function is to illuminate the terrain for you if you are riding at night.

The other, and the far more CRUCIAL role they play – is as a safety device.

Your lights make you visible and give you a defined presence on the road. They will improve your chances of not being hit by larger vehicles on the road – at night or in inclement weather.

Furthermore – having bicycle safety lights is not only smart it is actually the law.

In most countries, the law states that … in conditions of low-visibility, (ie mist, fog, snow, heavy rainfall) and – obviously at night-time – you MUST use bicycle safety lights.

Important Points To Be Aware Of …

The Legal Requirements

You Must Have:

- A red light on the rear of your bike – that is either steady or flashing.
- A bright white light on the front of your bicycle – that is either steady or flashing.
- Both the headlight and rear-light must be visible from a minimum of 200 meters.
- They should also be visible 50 meters from the side.

A rear red reflector – that is visible from 50 meters when a low beam headlight is shone at it.
Pedal reflectors, and Side-rim or Wheel reflectors.

Note: There will be variations in different national legislations – so make sure you check what YOUR local laws are.

Side-On Visibility

For a lot of lights, the lack of side-on visibility in some lights is a big problem.

Ideally, your headlight and rear-lights should be visible from the side-on. There are amber-coloured LED sidelights on the market that can be added to your bike to overcome this issue.

Light Flash Rate

The flash rate of each light is really important.

A bicycle safety light with a flash rate that is too slow can mean that the cyclist will travel further between each flash giving traffic a less accurate gauge of their position.

A bicycle safety light with a flash rate that is too fast creates a strobing effect and can distort motorists judgement as to the the rider’s exact location.

Make sure you test out your bicycle safety light flash-rate before you buy – if you get the chance.

Go Wild … Attach Additional Safety Lights To Your Bike … Everywhere!!

Don’t be limited by the legal requirements when it comes to safety lights. The more lit up like a Christmas tree you are – the safer you are. This includes wearing bright clothing – preferably reflective.

joyrider illuminated smiley face bicycle light show

Things To Consider When Buying Bike Lights …

Mounting

When mounting your light can you position it exactly where you want it so it will illuminate the right areas?
Will a larger lamp sit well on your handlebars or is it too big and awkward?
Is your headlamp placed comfortably and securely so it doesn’t skew your helmet?
Is your bike frame too curvy to securely attach a battery pack to?
Will you need to extend a cable to reach batteries that are attached low under the down tube?

Power

Which type of lights suits you and your bike-riding lifestyle?
Are you looking for a green alternative?
Which power wattage suits your needs?
What can you afford to spend?
How much light are you comfortable using when you cycle?
Have you attached too much light so that you have issues with reflected glare and lost detail?

See Bicycle Safety Light Lamp And Power Formats for more comprehensive Info

Range of Beam

Are your bicycle lights – floodlights, hotspots, sidelights, headlights or blinking rear lights?
What is the range of beams you are choosing?
Are these suitable and do they meet the legal distance requirements?

Reliability

Are your bicycle safety lights reliable under wet, cold, muddy and foggy conditions?
Have you run your bicycle safety lights through their paces – under different and difficult conditions to see how they hold up – BEFORE – an event?
Are they waterproof? shockproof?
Is your mounting bracket reliable and not going to release your light unexpectedly?
Have you researched your – chosen brand’s – reputation amongst people who have used their safety lights? … Talk to friends or check the forums.

Run Times

How long do you ride for and how much run time will you need from your battery?
Have you got spare batteries located on the bike so you can use a backup if you need to?
Are your batteries fully charged and ready for maximum run time BEFORE you go out cycling?
Does your battery charger do a good job? Does it recharge quickly?

See Bicycle Safety Light Lamp And Power Formats for more comprehensive Info