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09-07.-2004, 09:47 PM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2
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getting ready for the dark mornings
I have recently started to commute to work on my bike, The first weeks were a bit scary with the traffic but now I'm getting used to it.
I know it seems early to start worrying about the winter but has anybody got any tips on cycling in the dark? Also can anybody recommend good lights and reflective clothing for those winter mornings/nights? |
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17-07.-2004, 06:36 AM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Reading
Posts: 67
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Re: getting ready for the dark mornings
This really depends on how you ride, and where. If you are riding in town on the roads (not pavements) I would suggest at least one flashing red LED on back, and white on front, with a constant red one on the back (to keep you legal) and a front LED light so you can see potholes. If you're going into the sticks, one of the halogen lights with a separate battery pack is a must, or a high end dynamo (can't recommend B&M lumotec enough). As for clothing, remember reflective leg bands (makes you look like a cyclist).
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19-07.-2004, 09:18 PM
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#3 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2
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Re: getting ready for the dark mornings
Quote:
Thanks very much for the advice; the reflective leg bands are a very good idea, I hadn't thought of that. Cheers. |
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19-07.-2004, 09:30 PM
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 514
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Re: getting ready for the dark mornings
Really consider a helmet light...I got one last year and can't say enough good. The light on the bike was fine for letting other people know where I was but not so great at letting me know where I was. I ride a combination of urban streets, trails on my commute and in the places where I slip off the streets to trail, I lose street lighting and it can be pretty dark.
I find the helmet light is perfect and it is everywhere I look when I look. I just feel so much safer with it on. It also makes me way more visible to drivers of vehicles. There's been several times when I've seen a vehicle starting to back from it's driveway to the street and as I'm hitting the brakes, I nod my head a few times. The dancing helmet light really announces my presence on the road to the driver. The brakes flash hard.
__________________
Insanity has its price -- Please have exact change. |
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19-07.-2004, 11:24 PM
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#5 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 457
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Re: getting ready for the dark mornings
I get by with a flashing red taillight, a relatively bright (12w) halogen headlight, reflective strips round my ankles and reflective stuff on my helmet. I've also put reflective strips on the sides of my waterbottle-battery - so there's something shiny when cars come approach from the side. If I'm wearing a jacket there's usually something reflective on that too.
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19-07.-2004, 11:40 PM
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#6 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Chatham, UK
Posts: 22
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Re: getting ready for the dark mornings
Quote:
I'd say avoid the type of front (i.e. white) light that's black plastic, a flattish shape about four inches long and a couple wide (not sure whether I'm allowed to name the make and model given that I'm going to slag it off!). I've found the battery contacts are rather fragile, and if the light gets dropped or shaken, even inside a bag, the batteries (R14 size) flatten them and you have to open up the unit to straighten them again. I've been caught out several times preparing to travel home in the dark only to discover the light's not working, and have now bought a more reliable small LED light. Other than that, I'd recommend always carrying a spare set of lights and/or batteries at all times, even if you think you're going to get home in daylight - it can get surprisingly dark if the weather turns bad. |
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