How To Cycle Safely In The Dark

Step 1: You will need

The number one safety factor when cycling at night is making sure you can be seen by other road users. According to UK law you must have a red reflective panel at the rear of your bike and reflective strips on your pedals. However, it's also a good idea to fit your bike with a white front reflector and reflective panels on the wheels. Most bikes come with reflectors as standard, but you can purchase additional reflectors from a good cycle store.

Step 3: Lights

In the UK it's illegal to cycle in the dark without lights. It's also very dangerous. You must have a white light on the front and a red light on the rear of your bike. These can be either flashing or steady- although it's a good idea to have a steady light at the front. If you're cycling in an area without streetlights, you should buy a larger, steady front light which will illuminate the road in front of you.
If you use battery powered lights, make sure they are well charged before you leave the house.

Step 4: Bright clothing

It's a good idea to wear reflective clothing to increase your visibility.

Step 5: On the road

When riding in the dark you should be extra vigilant. Position yourself assertively in the road, and never assume that other road users have seen you. Also be aware that there may be pedestrians or other cyclists who aren't particularly visible, so be on your guard and try to anticipate potential hazards before they happen.

For more on cycling in urban areas, watch VJ's "How to cycle safely in the city."

Happy Cycling!