Bicycle Commuting Guide
Light Up
Light Up!
Only three percent of bike rides happen at night, but over half of all cyclists killed get hit while riding at night without lights. At night, Wisconsin law requires a white front light visible from 500 feet, and a red rear reflector visible from 50 to 500 feet.
That's not much; you can see a car's headlights from 3,000 feet, and that's what most motorists look for. Under bright streetlights you need bike lights to be seen, not to see. And because your upper body's at eye level, it's important to wear bright clothing at night.
Headlight: Battery-powered halogen or strobe. Get the most powerful one you can afford. Use white or amber, not red. The newer strobe lights don't cost much and have long battery lives. However, on dark streets, you'll need a bright, steady light to see the road.
Rear light: Effectively supplements your legally required reflector to help approaching traffic see you. Many cyclists use flashing red lights.
Rechargeable batteries: If you ride at night a lot, you'll save money and throw away fewer toxic batteries.
Rear reflectors: Big is best; get one at least three inches wide, make sure its pointed straight back and not up or down. Reflectors work only if they're clean, so remember to wipe them off!
Pedal reflectors: Built into front and back.
Reflective tape: Use on your bike frame or helmet. Use white or yellow in front, yellow or red in back.
Spoke reflectors: Not a substitute for a headlight or rear reflector.
Reflective ankle strap.
Reflective safety vest: Good for cycling in dark clothes or if your rear light goes out. Don't wear dark clothes with no other light-colored material.
Jacket: Bright color, reflective piping in back.
On to: Riding in Rain and Snow…
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