Bright Ideas for Bicycling at Night: Bicycle Lighting Systems

Fall is here and the days are getting shorter, but less daylight does not mean that you have to stop riding your bicycle - just get a light!

For many bicyclist the shorter days signal the end of the bicycling season. Between work, school and other activities there just isn't enough light left to ride - unless that is, you have a good light.

A good headlight can extend your bicycling day indefinitely.
Before choosing a bicycle light it is important to understand what a light can do for you. First, and most importantly, a light will help you to be seen by others. Second, a good light allows you to see where you are going. The stronger the light, the better you will be able to see and be seen. Finally, a light will help you comply with the law.

The law
State law requires that a bicycle being ridden upon a highway, sidewalk, bicycle lane, or bicycle way during hours of darkness must be equipped with, or the operator wear, a white light to the front and a red reflector to the rear. (State statute 347.489) This law represents the minimum requirement. Where and how you ride will determine what level of lighting you need to be safe on the roads or trails.

Generators
One of the oldest lighting systems is the generator. This type of lighting works off a generator (or dynamo) that is powered when it makes contact with the bicycle's tire. A generator system is often set up to power a headlight and a taillight. These systems are reliable, but often lack the power to really light up the road. Generators are more popular in Europe than in the United States.

Non-rechargeable
A more popular lighting system is the type that clamps onto your handlebars. These lights tend to be non-rechargeable and produce between 1 to 2.5 watts. (The more wattage, generally the better the visibility but the quicker the batteries will burn out.) Manufacturers will usually tell you how long the batteries should last - this is only an estimate.

Rechargeable
The next step up in lighting systems is the rechargeable system. This type of lighting can range from a simple handle bar mount, that looks like a non-rechargeable system, to a more sophisticated frame mounted battery that powers two beams that could probably land an airplane.

With rechargeable lights pay close attention to the type of battery being used. The following are some of the options available: gel-cells, NiCad and Nickel Metal Hydride.

Gel-cell
Gel-cell (or led acid) batteries must be kept charged at all times. If the batteries are not used they will be damaged. These systems can be recharged fewer times than NiCad systems.

NiCad
NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries tend to be used on higher end systems and are nice because they send a constant voltage to the bulbs before losing power. NiCads can also be left with a low charge and will easily charge back up again.

Nickel Metal Hydride
Newer Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries give longer burn times; sometimes as much as 20 to 30 percent longer. This type of battery system can also be charged more often without damage.

Each rechargeable systems is different and will have instructions on how to recharge it. Followed the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the system.

As with most things in life the more you pay the more you get. This holds true in lighting systems as well. You will need to determine what level of lighting you need and go from there.

Shorter days do not necessarily mean that you need to stop riding your bicycle: just that you will need some sort of light to see and be seen. Remember to always have a taillight and headlight if you are riding after dark. Often, motorists are not looking for bicycles after the sun goes down.

Jim Haraughty is the Product Manager for the Trek Wrench Force.