Riding your bike at night is trickier than riding during the day due to decreased visibility and, at times, increased traffic volume, factors that raise your risk for accidents and injury. Simple precautions such as following proper night riding etiquette help reduce risks and also make your group rides more enjoyable.
Visibility
Be seen when you are riding. Lights will improve your visibility at night, especially if you choose the flashing variety. Place a red light on the back of your bike and a white light on the front. Also make sure your bike has good reflectors and wear bright clothing. Avoid riding in drivers’ blind spots.
Be Predictable
Be predictable and do not make erratic or sudden maneuvers. Your best bet is staying on a straight course and avoiding temptation when it comes to weaving in and out of lanes. Also avoid braking suddenly. At intersections, move to the left a bit before turning so drivers have a better opportunity to see you coming.
Group Interaction
If you need to wait for others at a regrouping point, move completely off the roadway. While riding, call out any road hazards ahead such as car doors, stray animals, potholes or drain grates. Avoid leaving large gaps between you and the cyclist ahead of you, but do not overlap wheels with another cyclist or else a wind gust or slight direction change can make you touch wheels with that rider, causing a fall. Pedal downhill if you’re at the front of the group so those at the rear don’t have to ride their brakes. Call out “slowing” and “stopping” before doing so if you are in front of other riders to alert them to your upcoming maneuvers. If you want to pass, signal your intentions to other cyclists by calling out first.
Considerations
Following the rules of the road is especially important at night. That means obeying all traffic laws, such as stopping at red lights and stop signs. Ride single-file at night, even if riding double is legal where you are. If you are the rider in the rear, help keep other riders in your group safe by calling out “car back” when cars approach from behind.
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