Night Riding

When riding a bicycle at night on any road (with or without street lights), you need bicycle lights.  North Carolina laws require a bicycle to have a headlight at night.  A white headlight identifies the fronts of all vehicles, including bicycles,  and will enable you to remain visible to motorists.

Bicycle Lights

Three major types of lights are available for bicycles: small battery lights, generator systems (attached to the wheel) and the high-powered battery systems.

Small battery lights are useful for riding under street lights. Do not aim the headlight down on the road, the purpose is to make your bike as bright as possible to motorists ahead of you. 

Lights powered by a generator system are brighter than the small batery lights and can be used on dark roads and for long distances.  One drawback is that most generator lights go out when you stop cycling.  Generator systems with battery backups are best.

High-powered battery lights are brightest of all and great for cycling on dark roads or off-road. These lights are costly and require frequent recharging.

Tips: 

• Carry spare light bulbs and batteries

• Carry a small battery light as a spare

Use Reflectors!
A rear reflector and pedal reflectors keep you visible for motorists coming up behind you.  Make sure they are clean and not coated with dirt.   

Get additional reflectors (adhesive backed strips) for your back fenders and seat.  Aim the rear reflectors directly back with no tilt.   Use reflective legbands, vests or hat.

 Reflectors cannot replace a headlight!