Bicycle lights make you more visible to motorists, pedestrians and other bicyclists. They are a critical part of nighttime riding. Many jurisdictions have laws mandating the use of bicycle safety lights. The website BikeWhenever recommends leaving your lights on even during the day, using stronger lights than the law requires and using more lights than the law requires.
Types
Bicycle lights include headlights, taillights and a wide variety of side lighting systems, including tire valve light caps and rope lights. The lights are normally halogens or energy-efficient LEDs. Lights attach to different parts of the bike, come in two main and several supplementary colors, and vary in brightness.
Color and Flashing
State laws generally require bicyclists to have white headlights and red taillights. Some U.S. states, including California, ban the use of blinking or flashing lights on vehicles unless they are hazard lights. Some states ban blinking red lights, and many European countries prohibit blinking blue lights. Lights you buy in these areas might still have blinking capabilities that bicyclists cannot use.
Visibility
For safety, many bicyclists prefer a continuous blinking headlight because it gets more attention. Unfortunately, blinking or flashing headlights might make you more visible to other road users, but they also might inhibit your ability to see road hazards clearly. Ideally, if your jurisdiction allows, use a blinking headlight and a steady headlight. Many U.S. states require headlights and taillights to be visible from 500 feet or more, based on the Uniform Vehicle Code.
Attachment
You can attach bicycle safety lights to your handlebars, head tube, seat post or rack. Many taillights can slide out of their on-bike clips and clip onto clothing or bags. Helmet-mounted headlights, such as the ones used for cave exploration, are also available. Check the laws in your jurisdiction about whether you can attach bicycle lights to you or your bags; some laws stipulate the lights must be on the bike itself.
Quality
Bike lights can be very cheap, under $20, or cost hundreds of dollars. Cheap lights don't help you see dark roads; they only help other road users see you. Being safe means getting a light powerful enough to light up the road and let you see obstacles before you hit them. Bicycling Life recommends getting a light of at least 3 watts of output for smooth, well-lit roads, and more for more dangerous conditions.
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