Cycling in the Dark

With the clocks going back on the morning of 28th October and shorter days approaching it’s time to start thinking about staying safe when cycling in the dark.
Here’s a list of the minimum equipment required for riding a bike at night to stay within the law. (Source bikeradar.com)

  1. A front lamp showing a white light, positioned up to 150cm from the ground and facing forwards. If capable of emitting only a flashing light, it must emit at least four candela (a unit of light intensity, comfortably exceeded by modern lights)
  2. A rear lamp showing a red light, positioned between 35cm and 150cm from the ground, facing rearwards. If capable of emitting only a flashing light, it must emit at least four candela
  3. Rear reflector, coloured red, positioned between 25cm and 90cm from the ground, facing rearwards
  4. Pedal reflectors, coloured amber, positioned so that one is plainly visible to the front and another to the rear of each pedal 

Tips for cycling in the dark

  • Consider putting your rear light where it can always be seen, like attaching a permanent LED light to your pannier rack.
  • Wear brightly coloured reflective clothing/accessories
  • Consider changing your route to a better lit route. Bear in mind some routes may have fallen branches and wet leaves on them. Try out any new routes in daylight to build up your confidence.
  • Avoid cycling in the gutter to prevent debris causing a puncture.
  • Book a Dr Bike session to make sure your bike is in good condition and greatly reduce your chances of breaking down while out in the dark.
  • Go slower than you would in daytime and keep your eyes open for unexpected obstacles, bumps in the road and movement by others on the road or path.