The law says you have to have lights on your bike on the road — a white one in front and a red one in back, each visible at least 200 feet away. Reflectors are required too, but are not enough on their own.
Most bike/car collisions occur because the cyclist created a dangerous situation and the leading one is being invisible. A bike on the road at night, without adequate lights and reflectors, is clearly more likely to get hit by a car.
So if you don’t have it already, you will need to get yourself some gear. Here is a list of the things to get and why they matter.
A basic headlight is two to three watts and is enough to be seen but not to see with. Look at a 10-watt or higher halogen light on the front. They throw a good beam and motorists notice them. Get a rechargeable model that will last for at least your whole commute time. Most have a battery that goes in a water bottle holder, which works well. Then get a second headlight. This should be a little LED blinky light. It should also go on the front of your bike. It helps approaching cars realize you are a bike, not a motorcycle in the distance. It’s also your back-up light.
On the back, get a red LED light. Flashing or steady is fine, but realize that on the road they look like a motorcycle taillight far in the distance, so you need to do more.
Check out a reflective/lighted ankle strap. Mine cost about $12 at L.L. Bean. It didn’t look like much in the store but it is amazing on the road. Plus, no other thing on the road has a motion like a cyclist’s foot going up and down while pedaling. It’ll get noticed.
Reflectors on your pedals are great. Again, it’s the pedaling motion that motorists notice right away. You also want them on the front, back and sides. Some tire sidewalls have reflectors built in, which work really well. Otherwise stick some reflectors in your spokes. It’s an unmistakable motion going down the street. Remember reflective tape too. It’s lighter and more versatile than the plastic reflectors and can work where others can’t.
Don’t forget your body. A bright lime green/yellow jersey or jacket is an essential riding accessory in low light. But as you go to no light, put on a reflective vest or jacket over it. The goal here is to be seen.
All said and done you might spend $–-$200 on all this but it will last you many, many years. Think of it as an investment in your health. Your local bike shops can guide you to what is good and what is hype. Just ask them about their commute and what they use.
Erik West is a certified bicycle riding instructor and mechanic, who teaches alternative transportation for the Greater Portland Council of Governments, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and The Bicycle Workshop. He generally has his nose in most things related to promoting pollution-free transportation in Maine. To learn more or make yourself heard, check out www.thebicycleworkhshop.com or email him at erik@thebicycleworkshop.com.