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Bike commuting in the dark
On Nov. 2, we switch our clocks back an hour. That means it’s time for bicycle commuters to light themselves up like Christmas trees.
We definitely don’t want to look like the cyclist above.
My favorite piece of gear when lights get low? My light-up safety vest.
Attractive? No. Effective? Definitely.
I bought it online from a place called LEDtronics for $19.95. It uses two double A batteries, and aside from looking like the uniform for someone who gathers grocery carts at the local HEB, it makes me extremely visible to motor traffic after dark. Go here for details: http://www.ledtronics.com/products/ProductsDetails.aspx?WP=C352K648
I’ve got a few other tricks up my sleeve, too.
I have light-up caps that attach to the valves on my tires. They look cool when my wheels spin.
I’ve got a PlanetBike Superflash blinkie, which I’m convinced is the world’s brightest and most noticeable red bike blinkie. It’s attached just below my seat on the seatpost, so cars see me from behind.
Make sure your rear blinkie is unobstructed when you install it. Sometimes they get tilted too far up or down, or get blocked by a bag. And be sure the batteries are fresh, or it won’t glow as brightly as it should.
I’ve got two white lights perched on my handlebars up front — a blinking one to get me noticed, and a big one to light the road in front of me so I can see. That big one, by the way, requires an even bigger battery. The battery is about the size of a water bottle, and I carry it in my water bottle holder on the downtube of my bike.
I’ve even got a Velcro ankle band that’s made of reflective material. I put that on my right leg, so cars that approach from intersecting streets see me pedaling across.
I was reminded of the importance of being visible when I heard recently from another commuter who was hit by a car while riding to work. A truck turned in front of him and he smashed into its door. Thankfully, besides some lingering aches and pains — and a scar above his eye — he’s doing pretty well now.
The driver of the truck told the cyclist he didn’t see him until his head came through his passenger window.
Yikes! Bike visibility is important!
Wear bright and reflective gear or you may become invisible to cars.
And here’s one more tip: Have someone watch you coming and going on your bike when it’s dark out. They can give you a different perspective on how visible you are to others.
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By ledlightsliving
December 8, 2010 9:25 PM | Link to this
From home to hotel, from shop to street, from office to plaza. A new green way to light up your life for www.ledlightsliving.com .