My Bare Minimum For Night Cycling

Daytime riding is fun mostly because we just need our bicycle, clothing and helmet …. but what if the weather changes to overcast, rain or we get a mechanical and are stuck riding in the DARK!?

As a newbie, I was considered a fair weather rider but as I became more in love with cycling, I started to meet racers and ultra-cyclists and randonneurs. I was expected to show up before the sun rose and sometimes we didn’t make it back until well after dark. Oh, forget about randonneurs … the brevets are “rain or shine.” If I wanted to get stronger and see more sites, I had to prepare differently.

The photo above is my “bare minimum” accessories. When I have the reflective sash (DontGetHit.com), Jogalite reflective ankle bands (2), Cygolite Metro 700 lumens front light, Cygolite Hotrod tailight, Giro helmet, clear lens cycling glasses and Take A Look’s 3-prong clamp glasses mirror, I definitely have peace of mind.

You will be surprised how reflective and visible you are to motor vehicles. I know this because I use to SAG behind my riders on brevets. Riders were in pitch black countryside of New Jersey and they were quite visible.

If you are new to riding in the dark, it’s a good idea to ride with another cyclist who had experience (my Thursday rides are good starters).

Depth perception is what helps motorists see you in the dark, besides car lights reflecting on your sash/vest/bands. DO NOT BLINK the tail light if you only have one on the bicycle frame. Cyclists think blinking lights will make them “seen.” Your main objective using a front light is to see the road – like potholes, animals, leaves, puddles (avoid these because you don’t know how deep the water goes), etc … Drivers and other cyclists will naturally notice your front light. If you don’t believe me test it out. So many times I’ll be riding and wonder, “what is that BRIGHT light headed toward me on the other side of the road. It’s not traveling as fast as a car.”

Lumens is the measure of brightness. When purchasing a light/lamp, the width and length of the beam is important. I have a Schmidt generator light on one of my bicycles. It’s great to commute during winter months because I don’t need to charge it … just feed myself. I was looking for a bright light and the Cygolite Metro 700 lumens is plenty. I would like to purchase a 2nd one … just because “more is better” in this case. I find this one front light is good. It’s easy to remove from handle bar and charges with standard cable.

The Cygolite tail light is also easy to add and remove from the frame. There is a strap and no need for screwdriver like older mounts. It’s quite bright. I try not to have super bright tail lights if I’m on a group ride.

Clear lens glasses are great for night riding. I find I have a problem with the mirror on my glass frame. Having a backup mirror from the bar end is handy. Mirrors help you from having to twist your body and which can lead to accidents.

There are plenty of options of lighting, reflective gear and mirrors. These are what I like. Piermont Bicycle Connection carries the Cygolite. I bought the sash online. REI had the reflective bands. The mirror has two versions – long and short arm. I like the long arm – I’m farsighted. There are mirrors that are small circles which adhere to the inside of the glasses if you do not like mirrors hanging off your glasses.

I didn’t mention whistles, horns or bells. That can be another blog post.

“May the wind be at your back.”

Diane