How do I ride safely now that it’s dark in the evening?
MATT WOODCOCK, CYCLING UK TRAINING MANAGER
“Riding in the dark requires the cyclist to ensure they’re seen and can see the road surface clearly, without dazzling other road users. If you’re riding along unlit country lanes, you’ll need a different lighting setup to riding in an urban setting – or you may need to have a mix of lights if you’re riding though both environments. Wherever you are, it’s crucial that you are seen and you need to consider having reflectors on your bike and your clothing as well as lights. There’s a legal requirement during the hours of darkness (dusk to dawn) to have a front white light and a rear red light. The other legal requirement is to have a white reflector (front), red reflector (rear) and pedal reflectors. Studies have shown that having reflectors on your pedals, or ankles, will help you stand out more because other road users notice the elliptical movement of the pedal strokes. Reflective gear has been shown to be seen better than hi-vis wear at night, too. Having reflective piping on your clothing, especially your gloves, will help others see you and your hand signals.
When cycling at night, ride in the right position to be seen clearly. Make your intentions known to others earlier than you would in daylight. Also be aware of the dazzle some powerful lights can cause to others, so ensure that you direct your beam of light down to the road surface to avoid blinding drivers. Make sure your lights are fully charged, too.”
Cycling UK runs Night Ride Modules for cyclists to learn safe cycling skills in the dark: cyclinguk.org/nightridemodule
CHRIS BENNETT, HEAD OF BEHAVIOUR CHANGE AT SUSTRANS
“Riding at night is often inevitable for commuters and it can be fun and challenging in its own way. Obviously, for safe and enjoyable night-time cycling, you need to make sure you’re visible during darker, rainy or foggy days as well as being able to see well on dimly lit and unlit roads. On top of the legal requirement to have a front white light, a rear red light, plus reflectors at night, you should ensure that you’re seen from the side on, too. For this, reflective gear will help to brighten up your ride, as will spoke lights, which create beautiful beams of colour as you pedal. Highly reflective jackets, gloves and ankle bands are also great. Helmet-mounted lights are used by many cyclists as they not only directly illuminate your line of vision, but they’re also handy to see with if you need to carry out any bike maintenance. Keep an eye out for hazards, such as slippery leaves, and where possible stick to riding on familiar road routes or else opt for better-lit paths.”
“Where possible, stick to riding on familiar road routes or else opt for better-lit paths”