1. Light Up
The most important safety concern of a night cyclist is visibility. Although many bikes come equipped with a standard reflector in the front and back, these are not acceptable alone for night biking. Headlights and taillights are affordable and will ensure your visibility to cars and other motorized vehicles. Set the taillight to blinking when you are cycling after dark to further increase your visibility. Your headlight must be bright not only so motorists going the opposite direction see you but also so you can see the road. Without a headlight, accidents and wrecks occur.
Test your lights before every night ride to make sure you are riding safely. Some cyclists who engage in cycling at night wear lights that attach to their helmets to help them see their surroundings. Bike stores carry several versions of bike lights and helmet lights.
2. Wear Reflective Clothing
When biking at night, your clothing is another key to your visibility. Wear light-colored, reflective clothing to ensure that others on the road see you clearly. Your cycling shoes should have a reflective patch on the back of them. This is standard for almost all cycling shoes, but double-check just to be sure. If not, you can add a strip of reflective tape to the heel. Reflective tape is available for purchase at most retail stores and online at sporting goods retailers. Some night cyclists wear reflective vests to promote their visibility.
3. Ride With Caution
Cyclists make motorists nervous at night because of their unpredictability. Many accidents occur because a motorist doesn't know what a cyclist is planning to do. Use arm signals when turning, and always follow traffic laws. If a motorist is making you uncomfortable or nervous, pull over and let the car pass.
4. Research Routes
Choose routes with adequate lighting and low traffic levels. Drive the routes you are considering at the time of day you plan on riding. Driving the route helps you determine which routes are safe, which ones aren't, and if there are any alternate routes you might not have noticed on a map.
5. Other Safety Considerations
Remember that when you cycle at night, you still have to hydrate. Bring enough water or other fluid to prevent dehydration. Have snacks or other calories to sustain your energy if you're riding for more than an hour or you haven't eaten in a while. Cell phones are always a good idea for cyclists in case of emergency or equipment failure. Always tell someone where you're going and when to expect you home in case you get into trouble.
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