Riding bicycles at night can be a great experience in Oregon, especially if traffic is subdued and you have the road to yourself. Nonetheless, the greatly reduced visibility after dark demands special attention on the part of the cyclist as well as special equipment. Those who comply with the rules and the recommendations can have better confidence that their nighttime jaunt will be safe.
Required Lights
Bicyclists must employ safety lights when pedaling after dark according to Oregon law. Either the cyclist or the bike itself must have a white light visible from 500 feet or more in front. At the back, a red light or a reflector must be installed so that it can be seen from 600 feet or farther. The Oregon Department of Transportation recommends an actual rear light, not a reflector, because of its greater visibility. The law also prohibits the use of a reflector in the front of the bicycle because such a signal would be invisible to cars approaching the road from a side street.
Recommendations
The Oregon Department of Transportation recommends strong lights for bicyclists -- the 500-foot and 600-foot visibility of the required front and back lights are "the minimum requirements," as the department notes in its bicycle manual. Wearing as much reflective equipment as possible improves your ability to be seen as does wearing light-colored clothing. Any night cyclist should be finely tuned to cars, pedestrians, other bicyclists and other hazards on their ride.
Other Bicycle Rules
Oregon law also mandates that bicyclists ride with traffic, even in the specially designated bike lane that are common in many cities and towns. Of course, you must use discretion in keeping to the right: Especially at night, you must pay special attention and watch for doors of parked cars suddenly opening, as well as vehicles ahead of you shifting for a right turn. Most of Oregon's vehicle laws apply to bicyclists who, after all, are riding vehicles. Be certain to obey traffic signals -- stopping at yellow lights, as well and using turn-signals yourself to convey your route.
Road Conditions
Night bicyclists in Oregon should avoid unlit or poorly lit streets, as such routes make bicyclists more obscure. You should also be fully aware of weather conditions: Motorists in general have a harder time seeing during night rain, when roads are slick and confusingly reflective, and windshield wipers are engaged. Some of Oregon's roads, even in the interior of cities like Portland, are unpaved and may contain potholes and other hazards; rely on your lights and a measured, cautious speed to keep from flipping or otherwise losing control.
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