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Bicyclists: Light up when it’s dark!
I ride my bike a lot early in the morning or after work, when it’s dark outside. That’s why my bike practically bristles with flashing, blinking and solid lights, from tip to tail.
In Austin, cyclists are required by law to use a solid white headlight visible for at least 500 feet. A rear red reflector is also required, but it’s even better to attach a bright red blinkie light in back, too.
Besides my front Nite Rider MiNewt 150 headlight (about $70) and my Planet Bike Super Flash tail light (about $17), I’ve got an extra blinkie attached to the side of my bike, and blinking caps on the air valves of both tires. (They look super cool as my tires spin!)
I recently added a new light to my stable — a quarter-sized red LED flasher made by Energizer (about $6) that clips to just about anything, from my bike helmet to my collar or the storage trunk on my bike rack. I use it when I run, too, clipping it to the back of my baseball cap.
To top it all off, I wear a neon fluorescent “safety” vest with reflective piping.
I might look like a complete nerd (or the guy who gathers carts in the grocery store parking lot, as my husband likes to say), but I don’t care. I want to be noticed!
It always amazes me how often I see cyclists riding without the proper lighting system. It’s nearly impossible to see them until you’re almost upon them.
Please. If you’re going to ride in the dark, make yourself visible.
Nobody wants to hit you, but without lights, you’re taking that risk.
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By Lee
October 25, 2011 4:50 PM | Link to this
Add to that: Don’t wear dark clothing. It makes my draw job when I see my fellow cyclists riding at night with no helmet, no lights, and wearing black!
By John
October 25, 2011 10:21 PM | Link to this
Pam, I couldn’t agree with you more.
Lee, what’s a “draw job”? jaw drop, perhaps? Put that beer down before typing, pls. :)
By t.k. o'brian
October 27, 2011 2:04 PM | Link to this
Most commuters I see riding thru my neighborhood have headlights & blinkies. I make my daughter use both though only 1 block of the 1 mile ride to school is on streets.At a min, I wear a blinkie attached to the rear of my helmet any time of day on the street.
The thing that I think is in total conflict with “common sense” is how runners in my neighborhood dress. I see them all the time in dark clothing with zero reflective clothing running on the street at dusk & dawn. Perhaps more serious runners know better, but then again they probably know to run in safer spots!
By t.k. o'brian
October 27, 2011 2:07 PM | Link to this
BTW Pam, where’d you pick up the Energizer blinkie? Might stick another on the kid’s bike and I need to donate something for the school crossing guard. Poor lady has almost been taken out by cars even though she has on a reflective vest and a stop sign in her hand!
By Pam LeBlanc
October 27, 2011 4:00 PM | Link to this
TK, Try Target or Sears for the Energizer blinkie. You can also order them through Amazon. It’s cool because it’s tiny and clips anywhere. And it’s inexpensive! Pam