Anyone doing the daily commute by bicycle needs to have high quality bike lights to stay visible in the mornings and evenings. Many people choose their bike rather than their car to get to work and back, especially if they don't live too far away. The benefits of cycling are endless with the ability to save costs, lose weight, and help the environment. Commuting to work also means you get to keep fit if you don't get the time to work out at weekends. It is convenient for many to incorporate it into their daily routines. As the stress of morning traffic congestion becomes unbearable and fuel prices continue to rise, cycling can make your journey less stressful and far more enjoyable. Not only will you save on fuel, you can cut costs on parking and maintenance costs on your vehicle. A pair of front and rear bike lights is essential if you ride to work and back; the mornings can be dark still if you have to leave early, and the evenings will obviously become darker, especially towards the autumn and winter months.
Lighting Up your Routes
If your ride consists of travelling through remote countryside, you could find yourself in very dark areas that could be dangerous. As long as you use front and rear bike lights to light up your way, everyone will see you clearly and no unnecessary accidents will occur. Even if you cycle through built up areas that are well lit, you can't always assume that the street lights will be turned on or working, plus if it isn't very busy, there's no other lighting to guide you. Cyclists tend to blend into the surroundings in the dark if they aren't using lights, making it extremely difficult for drivers to spot you. Even if it's a quick journey to the shops, you should take the time to charge up your bike lights; remember safety should be your first priority. As well as using lights, it is recommended that commuters wear reflective clothing to increase their visibility. This can also work effectively if your lights should fail, lose battery or you get a puncture and end up walking your bike home.
What the Law Says About Bike Lights
It is common sense to use a light on your bike, but it is also the law, hence why you should most definitely be using bike lights if you cycle after dark. The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations state that all cyclists should light up if they cycle between sunset and sunrise. It also states that you should use your lights if daytime conditions reduce visibility and requires all lights and reflectors to be clean and working properly. This law requires you to have:
- A white front light
- A rear red light
- Rear reflector
- Four pedal reflectors