Everyone has experienced awful ride days or perhaps worse because of low visibility. Appropriate clothes and lighting solutions can help you deal with these conditions more effectively. However, if you search for “bike lights,” you’ll get hundreds and thousands of hits. So, how can you make sense of all of the possibilities and when you should use which types of lights? Before you go shopping for bike lights, there are a few things to think about.
See lights
In the dark, “see” lights help you to watch where you’re going. You’ll need a powerful, bright front light to see where you’re going if your journey takes you out of the city on dark or poorly lighted roads. Pick up any bumps or rubble on the route ahead of time so you have enough time to react.
These bike lights will also render you noticeable to other drivers, but they frequently come with a trade-off: they are often larger and bulkier, with shorter battery life. A poorly constructed or aimed/mounted light might also be so intense that it blinds other road users. As a result, it’s critical to double-check that your bike lights are set up properly to give you the best sight of the journey ahead while posing no hazard to other drivers on the road.
Be seen lights
The goal of “Be seen” lights is to ensure that you are noticeable to other drivers on the road. If you’re riding within city limits, you’ll be able to watch where you’re going, thanks to street lighting; thus, the major purpose of your lights is to ensure that others can see you. Your lights must allow you to be seen from both the front and back. Therefore, a red light should be on the back, and a white light should be on the front.
Sidelights
On your bike, side visibility is equally vital. In an urban area, automobiles come from all directions, and you must be visible from the side at intersections. Sidelights for the bicycle can be purchased that attach to your frame. Lights that adhere to your wheels and brighten up as the tyres turn are also available. Good rear and front lights, on the other hand, will provide visibility from the sides. On the package, look for 180-degree visibility.
Lights on the helmet
Helmet lights are small, lightweight lights that attach to the front, top, or back of your helmet. These lights include an additional point of illumination closer to the driver’s eye level and aid in recognising your head motions by other road users. You must always have a light on your helmet along with the original lights on your bike, not as your sole source of illumination.
Lights that flash
A flashing light on the bicycle as a “Be seen” light is becoming increasingly popular. Different lights flash in different patterns, but they all work since the flash draws other drivers’ attention to you and makes you faster to identify. You could use a flashing light during the day or at night. Because studies suggest that flashing lights make it more difficult for vehicles to gauge the distance, it’s a smart idea to combine a constant light with a backup flashing light, such as on your bag or helmet, at night. Always double-check whether flashing lights are permissible in your country or region; they aren’t permitted everywhere.
Over the years, bicycle lighting has changed dramatically. Bike lights have become more powerful, energy-efficient, lighter, and simplified in recent years. Even if they are a bit more expensive than the ultra-cheap products, it is suggested to choose reputable brands. In the long term, they’ll pay off. Remember to pick a light with more run time and wattage than you normally need – just in an emergency. Carry extra flashlights and batteries/power banks on longer journeys.