Guide to Cycling at Night

As the hours of daylight begin to lessen, you may find yourself cycling at night or in the dark more often – whether it’s part of your commute, a winter training ride or a late cycle after work.

Cycling at night brings additional challenges. Visibility is your biggest challenge when cycling at night as poor lighting makes it harder for motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists to see you. Investing in the right gear, adopting safe riding habits and good bicycle insurance helps to reduce risks and keeps you protected. The motto to remember is see and be seen.

Bike Lights and the Law

By UK law, cyclists must use lights after dark. Failure to comply can lead to a fine of up to £60.

The Highway Code requires:

• A white front light (visible at 500 feet)
• A red rear light
• A red rear reflector
• Amber pedal reflectors (if your bike was manufactured after October 1985)

Additional reflectors on wheels and spokes are also recommended.

Be aware that:

• Helmet-mounted lights don't count as your legal front light but they can add directional visibility and are useful at junctions.


• Both steady and flashing lights are permitted but your light must flash 60-240 times a minute, and if your lights only flash, they must emit at least 4 candelas which is the equivalent to about 48 lumens.


• It's a good idea to keep your front light angled downwards slightly to avoid dazzling other road users.

How Bright Should Your Bike Lights Be?

With so many numbers and abbreviations on the box it can be difficult to know what lights you're actually buying.

Lumens

Bike lights are rated in lumen which is the measure of total visible light a bulb produces. The higher the lumen, the brighter the light although it's likely to drain the battery faster.

Around 40 watts is 450 lumens; 60 watts is 800 lumens.

The brightness you needs depends on where you're riding and whether your priority is being seen or seeing the road ahead.

For most cyclists, a 500-lumen front light paired with a 100-lumen rear light is a reliable set up for being seen and for being able to see.

Bike lights are usually advertise their maximum output which may only be achievable in flashing mode or for a short burst of time. As the output is lower in steady mode, it means that you might be better off buying a bicycle light advertised at a higher lumen than you actually need. Brighter lights do drain the batteries faster so make sure to carry spare batteries or a backup light, particularly if you're headed on long rides.

Lux and Candela

You might see other terms when shopping for bike lights:

• Lux: This is the brightness measured on a surface, i.e. how much of the light is concentrated in one spot.


• Candela: This is the intensity of light at the destination point.

This means that the lumens = headline brightness but it is the lux and candela (and beam shape) that determines how useful the brightness feels.

Waterproof Ratings - IP Codes

Bike lights also feature an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which measures protection from solid particles like dust and protection from liquid such as water.

The rating consists of two digits, the first for slid protection (0-6) and the second for liquid protection (0-8). Higher numbers generally mean better protection. For example, IP67 means the light is dust-tight and no dust should be able to enter, and that it is protected against temporary immersion in water up to 1 metre in depth. For everyday cycling, IP64 is a good rating to start with.

Clothing

Wearing the right clothing is one of the simplest ways to improve your visibility. Items to consider are:

• Fully reflective jackets which are more effective than standard hi-vis jackets which only have a few reflective strips
• Reflective ankle bands as the pedaling motion helps to catch the attention of other road users
• Reflective gloves and sleeve bands to make your hand signals clearer to motorists

Reflectors and fluorescent details add an extra layer of visibility as small reflective patches can shine brightly in headlights. However, be aware that whilst florescent colours work well in low light, they tend to be less effective in complete darkness. Reflectors and fluoro are an effective addition to your lights, not a replacement.

Know Your Route

It can be harder to navigate routes in the dark so it’s important to plan ahead and stick to familiar roads and trails.

If you're riding solo it's not a bad idea to share your route and location with someone. Additionally, avoid unlit routes unless you are properly equipped.

Your Road Positioning and Awareness

Your road position matters even more in the dark as you need to give other road users the best possible chance of seeing you.

• Ride slightly further out from the kerb than in daylight to increase your visibility.


• If you need to, take the lane. Drivers must give you space.


• Don't cycle to close to vehicles as you might then not be visible in their mirrors.


• Adjust your cycling technique based on the weather - stopping distances increase with wet or icy conditions so factor this in, not only for yourself but how other road users may behave.

Keep Your Bike in Good Condition

Attempting to fix an issue with your bike in the dark at the road or trailside is stressful - prevention is key. Make sure to regularly do the M-Check, inspect your brakes and tyres often, check your lights and reflectors are both clean and in good working in order and don't forget to bring a spare light or battery just in case. Read our ultimate bike maintenance guide for a more thorough run through.

Bicycle Insurance from Eversure

Even with the best bike lights, reflective jackets and preparation, cycling at night and in the dark carries higher risks whether it's accidents or theft. That's why a bicycle insurance policy from Eversure is important - so you can be confident that you're protected against things like theft and damage.

Final Thoughts

Getting comfortable with cycling in the dark opens up more opportunities to ride in fast-approaching darker months. Follow the golden rule see and be seen by pairing the right kit with good habits and comprehensive cycle insurance, and you'll stay safe, visible and confident on every nighttime ride.