Why are you comfortable cycling at night?

[HiYoSilver]

HH started it. How about why are you comfortable riding a bike at night? Very few do ride at night and it might be interesting to see why people who ride at night are comfortable with night riding.

I would appreciate your discussions including the common perceived issues.


Issues to be addressed in response:

-1- visibility to driver approaching from rear, 6:00 on clock dial
-2- visibility to driver pulling from right street/driveway, 3:00 on clock dial
-3- visibility to driver pulling from left street/driveway, 9:00 on clock dial
-4- visibility to driver turning leftg across traffic to street/driveway on your right, 12:00 on clock dial
--5-- have you had someone video you at night to verify your actual visiblity vs your assumed visibility?

-6- ability to avoid road obstacles: potholes, glass, large debris
-7- watts of headlight, helmet or handlebar mount
-8- what drivers have said to you about seeing you riding at night

Have fun.....

[chipcom]

I guess some folks are just scared of the dark just as many are scared of being outdoors exposed to mother nature at all.

I have adequate lighting to see (avoiding road hazards) combined with reflective material to allow me to be seen (360), plus it's easier to see the cars at night from a longer distance and even around curves. I can't recall any driver having anything to say for at least the last 5 years or so.

Ironically, while I am very visible to others, riding at night gives me a feeling of invisibility, that the whole world isn't watching me and I am alone with my thoughts...it's quite relaxing an invigorating all at the same time.

[cyclezealot]

Living out in the country, night traffic is pretty lite. That's a good start. I am lite up like a Christmas tree. Lots of reflecterized staps on every limb. A blinkie on my rear rack and rear of my helmet. A reflecterized vest. Cars flash their lights at me from far away. Some cyclists feel with adequate preperation, they can be seen better at night?
The down side. I have a strong light, but still wonder if I am seeing far enough distances to see pending potholes, etc. I love a night ride after a hot summer's day. Cools the body down.

[gpsblake]

I live in a rural area and the main downside to night riding here is the critters here in SC that come out after night. Since we don't have paved shoulders, very little time to react. Hitting a opossum in a car isn't a big deal except to the opossum, on a bike, it can really hurt you while the opossum does hi-fives after the fact.

When I lived in Baltimore, night riding wasn't a problem at all.

[markf]

I've been comfortable riding in traffic since my teen years or a little earlier, I know the traffic laws and abide by them, and I've got an excellent system of lights and reflectors on my bicycle. After 5 years of year round commuting where I came home in the dark every night (and some times left in the dark), I've learned to really enjoy nighttime riding.

[gonzoknife]

In some regards, I like riding at night. I like being able to see car headlights from far away rather than relying on sound alone. I've got good lighting and reflectivity, so I've done all I can to make myself visible. Even after I was hit almost a year ago, one of the police was amazed at how bright my headlight was. I'm convinced the driver would have hit me even if it was daylight or if I was a car. He simply wasn't paying attention.

I do prefer the dark of an early morning to the evening commute home since there are far less cars around.

[Artkansas]

I started riding at night regularly at age 11. I'm now 53. I can't recall ever being uncomfortable.

[Roody]

I ride every night because of the shift I work. However, I still feel that niht riing is more dangerous than day riding, and I feel less comfortable in the darkness. I had a bad crash at night, probably caused by unseen debris on the pavement.

[chephy]

With all the blinkies, lights and reflectors I feel safer at night since it's harder to overlook them than just me during the day. (And what chipcom said about the feeling of invisibility. :) Contributes to feeling comfortable as well.)

[Speedo]

-1- visibility to driver approaching from rear, 6:00 on clock dial
-2- visibility to driver pulling from right street/driveway, 3:00 on clock dial
-3- visibility to driver pulling from left street/driveway, 9:00 on clock dial
-4- visibility to driver turning leftg across traffic to street/driveway on your right, 12:00 on clock dial
--5-- have you had someone video you at night to verify your actual visiblity vs your assumed visibility?
-6- ability to avoid road obstacles: potholes, glass, large debris
-7- watts of headlight, helmet or handlebar mount
-8- what drivers have said to you about seeing you riding at night

Have fun.....

1) Reflective tape on frame and fenders, reflector, rear light(s)
2) Reflective tape on frame and fork. One of the rear lights has a lot of side light.
3) See 2.
4) Megawatt front light.
5) My wife passed me (in her car) on my way home from work. She said I was very visible from behind due to the light. I only had one then. She recommended that I add another in case the one should fail while I was riding, and hence not know that it had failed. I now have a second rear light.
6) Know the road, have a good light in front, and I'm not that fast. Part of my commute is on trails, so I have to do some single trackish stuff in the dark anyway.
7) 10 Watts on the handlebar. Okay, I know that it's not megawatts compared to some. But it seems to work well for me.
8) See 5.

I actually feel safer at night. Judging from the reaction I get from automobiles, they seem to see me a long way off and really pay attention to me.

[rule]

I've done more night riding over the years than in daylight. Definitely have the same feelings about it that chipcom describes. Personally, I really like the ability to see cars ahead of time because of the glow or beams of their lights.

[rajman]

It's a total buzz to ride at night. I do it regularly and am not particularly concerned. Left hook is the most problematic for me - I have taken up waving at left turners (a 'hi' wave - not a 'take my ROW' wave), if they wave back - I conclude that they have likely seen me.

My wife often passes by me in a car after dinners at the in-laws - she says that she sees me pretty well (I have the pb superblinkie).

[CrosseyedCrickt]

I really can't see why anyone would NOT be comfortable riding at night.
unless they were paranoid of their own shadows

[slowandsteady]

I have excellent headlights as well as two bright blinkies in back along with plenty of reflective gear. I get more room by passing cars at night than in the day. It is very peaceful riding at night. The stars are beautiful and it is so quiet. I prefer it.

[bikedaddy]

I really can't see why anyone would NOT be comfortable riding at night.
unless they were paranoid of their own shadows

You know there have been a couple times recently at night when my shadow tricked me into thinking there was another biker on the other side of the road traveling the wrong way at the exactly the same speed I was. I wasn't drunk I swear...

Anyway... I have a lot of SOLAS reflective tape, two rear blinkes (one of the the superflash), and two headlights (one on blink mode). I think I still need a vest of reflective jacket. I feel just as safe at night as day... at night cars treat me like a low-flying UFO (slowly pass with wide berth and stare in awe)... in the day I'm just another jerk taking up road space on his bike.

[DataJunkie]

- good night vision
- reflective material
- blinkies
- reflective jacket
- less traffic

My areas for improvement are:
-ditch the cateye led headlight
-more blinkies! I need redundancy. Only one rear light.

Daytime is painful for my eyes with or without sunglasses. The high elevation combined with light sensitivity is irritating.

[CommuterRun]

I have no problem with riding at night. My commuting to work takes place well before daylight, year 'round.
I run a Cateye TL-LD1000 with one bank steady on for spatial reference, the other bank on rapid flash for an attention grabber. My back up light is a Cateye TL-LD500, steady on. I chose this light for the back up because of the CPSC certified reflector. Although, I am considering a trip to the auto parts store for a large, red, automotive reflector to use either instead of, or along with, the 500. I saw a cyclist Tuesday morning of last week, when I drove the car to work, who had no lights, but that little, red, bicycle reflector really stood out. However, I still believe that a reflector alone is not nearly enough.

I also have reflective tape in various locations on the bikes and on the flatbed trailer. My panniers also have reflective strips on them.

On the front I run a Cateye HL-500II mounted on the handlebar and an Optronics NightBlaster HL-6000 mounted on my helmet. When the HL-500IIs I have finally give out on me, I'm planning on going back to 4 AA dive lights zip-tied to the 'bars for a headlight, either the Underwater Kinetics, MiniQ 40 or the Princeton Tec, Tec 40.

I also wear a ANSI yellow vest with orange reflective striping when riding at night and during the day whenever the upper garment I'm wearing is a dark or neutral color. My helmet has reflective tape in red, white and yellow all over it, but I primarily only wear a helmet anymore because of the headlight.

As light as the traffic is on these rural highways at that hour of the morning, I'm not concerned about needing more visibility from the sides.

I have had co-workers tell me that they could easily see my lights from well over a mile away from the rear. I have had drivers approaching from the front pull off the road and stop until I got by, presumably because of the red flashing TL-LD1000, but most likely because they couldn't identify the lights.

With very little ambient light from manmade sources on my routes, when the sky is clear and the moon is bright, I will turn off my headlights and ride by moonlight. As long as there are no cars on the road.

[cyclezealot]

I like night riding. I like it because it is so peaceful. I share Roody's concern about missing debris. Even tho I have decent lights, my only solution is to slow down. Don't over ride your light. Another concern. Ever had a flat at night. Have a lite that will be portable . I have a led light that straps about my forehead. Bright and allows my hands to be freed to work on the bike. Holding a light in your mouth is awkard.

[banerjek]

Ironically, while I am very visible to others, riding at night gives me a feeling of invisibility, that the whole world isn't watching me and I am alone with my thoughts...it's quite relaxing an invigorating all at the same time.
Same here. I've received multiple road reports from different people that I'm very visible. I have hi viz colors, lots of reflective gear and tape, HID on the front, NR taillight + LD-1000 on the rear. One guy said outright "someone would have to have his head up his ***** to not see you" and everyone I've asked about that assessment agreed with it. However, on busy roads, I have trouble judging distances of cars on busy roads in my mirror -- particularly if it's raining.

I really enjoy being on quiet roads at night though I don't get much of that. Like others, it gives me a sense of peace and being alone.

[straightedge]

I don't ride a lot at night, but it can be quite peaceful. I've considered getting a reflective vest, but usually have a backpack on at night.

Are some vests adjustable to be able fit over a pack, assuming it's not too large of a pack?

[DudeLove]

I feel that I'm more visible and safer at night (except for when I'm crossing interesections) than riding during the day. Where I'm at, there's less traffic at night, and I'm very lit up with 7 lights total.

However, I always do get a bit nervous when approaching intersections because I don't feel all that visisble from the side.

[Duggle]

With all the blinkies, lights and reflectors I feel safer at night since it's harder to overlook them than just me during the day. (And what chipcom said about the feeling of invisibility. :) Contributes to feeling comfortable as well.)

+ another 1

I really enjoy riding in the dark. It feels to be very incognito, I'm just those bright lights coming at you.

As for driver comments, they're all positive. A driver has driven next to me in a busy high speed lane to find out the brand of my HIDs (made me very nervous). A lady last week complimented me on my bright lights saying that it "makes her job a lot easier" (possibly a nurse?)

[ghettocruiser]

Due to my participation in the bicycle illumination arms race.

[catatonic]

-1- visibility to driver approaching from rear, 6:00 on clock dial
-2- visibility to driver pulling from right street/driveway, 3:00 on clock dial
-3- visibility to driver pulling from left street/driveway, 9:00 on clock dial
-4- visibility to driver turning leftg across traffic to street/driveway on your right, 12:00 on clock dial
--5-- have you had someone video you at night to verify your actual visiblity vs your assumed visibility?

-6- ability to avoid road obstacles: potholes, glass, large debris
-7- watts of headlight, helmet or handlebar mount
-8- what drivers have said to you about seeing you riding at night

Have fun.....

1) I have a very solid dual-mode taillight...one solid line of lights, one flashing....best of both worlds, attention getting AND easier for them to gague my speed with.

2) my headlight has a good arc on it, and my taillight has good side visibility. My jacket also has reflective stripes down the arms. Plus I pay attention, and slow down if I think there is a risk

3) Refer to two

4) have a very bright headlight. HID lights are known for confusing drivers into thinking you are a car, therefore they yield right of way to you (like they should be anyways). Be alert for any stupid moves though.

5)I have verified my lights, by locking the bike to a pole, and going three blocks each way.....my headlight is whiter than most car headlights, and the taillightis plenty visible.

6)big headlight....you cna see this stuff coming up with plenty of time to react. Remember to pay attention!

7) 12w HID spotlight in front, Cateye TL-LD1000 in back (always running FRESHLY charged batteries)

8) "get rid of that mother****** headlight you piece of ****, you are not a ******* car!" Goes to show it actually works, unlike the driver's brain.

[caloso]

I'm much more comfortable riding at night because Suzy Soccermom has parked her SUV and is safely on the couch watching Grey's Anatomy.

[bbonnn]

Traffic stresses me out. There's less traffic at night. I like.

And I also second gonzoknife: car headlights are more visible as they approach behind me, so I don't always have to look in the mirror or crane my neck to see if someone's coming up. That's nice.

The suburban streets around here are usually well lit and maintained in the areas I ride, so I can get by with a "be seen" light (5-watt LED). I would probably be a little more cautious if I lived where the roads were less pristine.

If I'm out for a fitness ride (vs. commuting and errands) I definitely prefer nighttime. I can go faster without worrying about rush-hour perils.

[2manybikes]

What would make you uncomfortable at night on a bike? I'm a lot more visible to cars than in the day time.
Check your bike by having someone ride it away during the day against different backgrounds, it can be very hard to see a bike during the day. It's easier to see me at night.

[Mr. Gear Jammer]

HH started it. How about why are you comfortable riding a bike at night? Very few do ride at night and it might be interesting to see why people who ride at night are comfortable with night riding.

I would appreciate your discussions including the common perceived issues.


Issues to be addressed in response:

-1- visibility to driver approaching from rear, 6:00 on clock dial
-2- visibility to driver pulling from right street/driveway, 3:00 on clock dial
-3- visibility to driver pulling from left street/driveway, 9:00 on clock dial
-4- visibility to driver turning leftg across traffic to street/driveway on your right, 12:00 on clock dial
--5-- have you had someone video you at night to verify your actual visiblity vs your assumed visibility?

-6- ability to avoid road obstacles: potholes, glass, large debris
-7- watts of headlight, helmet or handlebar mount
-8- what drivers have said to you about seeing you riding at night

Have fun.....

No, it is dangerous and scary. I ride when the sun is up.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

No, it is dangerous and scary. I ride when the sun is up.
I love nightriding! It''s peaceful as well as cooler in the summer! Just make yourself visible. It's also harder for a car to sneak up on you without you being aware of it, because all of a sudden the road in front of you lights up a lot better because of their headlights!:D

[JohnBrooking]

Visibility is obviously key. I have been gradually (maybe too gradually) getting better at this, each year since I started. The first year or two I had co-workers comment that they couldn't see me very well. That was back when I wore my non-cycling winter coat (seems just about all non-cycling winter coats are black) and didn't think too much about hi-viz stuff, although I did have a tail blinkie and relatively weak headlight powered by C batteries. Now I have a lime-yellow flourescent jacket with a reflective stripe that I wear year-round, ditched the backpack in favor of a pannier with reflective piping, which also keeps my whole yellow back visible, more reflective tape on the bike, a second tail blinkie, and a more powerful Cygolite headlight with rechargeable battery. (Plus, on the good-weather bike, Christmas lights!) Last month, I had two drivers compliment me on my night visibility.

I had an instructive experience this week. I never get close passes at night, which helps to reinforce that yes, they do see me. Tuesday, however, I forgot my headlight, so I had to ride home with no headlight. (Save a small blinking micro-light on top of my helmet.) I approached a side ride on the right, where there were cars waiting to pull out. Mindful that I had no headlight, I slowed. Sure enough, a waiting car pulled out as I approached. Since I had slowed, it wasn't that close, but I didn't blame the driver because I can easily believe they just didn't see me. And that's the only time that's ever happened. So that proved to me just how much difference visibility can make!

[sbhikes]

I like the incognito of night. Nobody knows if I'm a man or a woman (especially on a recumbent at night). Nobody will single me out because of my gender.

At night I can see the cars better around turns and waiting at hidden driveways or behind parked cars. This is helpful, although it can be hard to judge how far away they are just by the light cast on the ground.

I honestly don't have any sense of whether or not they see me any better at night. I know I'm more distracted at night coming home from work. So I still act as if they don't see me.

It can be harder to see bumps and potholes and things like that. Even with my 10W light, there are enough shadows and things that it sometimes looks like there are bumps where there aren't and vice versa.

I rode my trike tonight. I turned a corner to a street with few street lights and suddenly I could see the stars. Awesome. Also, night is not as cold as morning. This morning I slipped on some ice. Imagine that! Ice in Santa Barbara.

[Michel Gagnon]

How about why are you comfortable riding a bike at night?... Issues to be addressed in response:

-1- visibility to driver approaching from rear, 6:00 on clock dial
-2- visibility to driver pulling from right street/driveway, 3:00 on clock dial
-3- visibility to driver pulling from left street/driveway, 9:00 on clock dial
-4- visibility to driver turning left across traffic to street/driveway on your right, 12:00 on clock dial
-5- have you had someone video you at night to verify your actual visibility vs your assumed visibility?
-6- ability to avoid road obstacles: potholes, glass, large debris
-7- watts of headlight, helmet or handlebar mount
-8- what drivers have said to you about seeing you riding at night

Have fun.....


Am I comfortable? It depends on the temperature! Seriously, I would avoid a few time slots like bar closures in rural areas (2 a.m.) and end of work shifts on rural roads (that one usually lasts 10-15 minutes). But I come prepared.

I have good redundant lighting, some reflective material and I adapt my riding style to nighttime conditions. I have checked my lights more than once and received quite a few unsolicited comments, all favourable.


My setup:

Front

The setup has been constant for the last few years. I might upgrade the LED supplementary lights this spring.

– Dynohub with Schmidt headlight. Powerful enough to light my way, large enough to be seen from ahead.
– One or two Planet Bike Beamer 5 complete the setup and provide either illumination on the ground, straight-ahead flashing "see-me" light... or light on the road should I climb a steep hill or the main headlight burn.
- I also have a BLT Super Doppler which provides a pointed adjustable beam. Not too useful, except when riding in rural areas, because I can then point it sideways if necessary.

Very few drivers turn left through my route and those who do typically do so when they were blinded by something else. Short of a very powerful HID light, no bicycle match is a direct match to a misadjusted car headlight. However, by slowing down or accelerating a wee bit, I can usually avoid that "tight spot".


Rear

I leaped forward this year, essentially replacing all the Vistalites with current stuff. I find that having more than one taillight is essential because batteries may die without notice during a 5-6 hour ride.

– A combination of 2 Cateye TL-LD1000 and 1 or 2 Planet Bike SuperFlash taillights. I had essentially upgraded with the TL=LD1000 ($$, alas)... and then, the Superflash came around. Too bad the aluminium brackets I made aren't directly compatible with the Superflash... All those lights are permanently attached behind the rack. On the single bike, one TL-LD1000 is attached to the seattube.

- One large red and two large amber SAE reflectors (2 x 4.5 inches, I think), attached to the mudflap, plus red and white DOT reflective tape on the rear fender like we see on trucks.

– For rural rides, I add a BLT Rear Super Doppler, which is essentially a red "headlight". Very bright on axis. Not as much as the Dinotte, but much brighter than either the TL-LD1000 or the Superflash.


Sides

I have the mandatory wheel reflectors and panniers have a reflective stripe on them.

Apart from that, my current taillights are quite visible from the rear quadrants. What's missing are one or two side lights visible from the front quadrants. I thought of using two amber blinkies and I even bought these two years ago, but I have yet to find a way to attach them in a reliable fashion so they don't fall in the wheel and are still effective, even with panniers and handlebar bag.


My riding technique

Since I can't establish eye contact at night, I tend to be more cautious around intersections. I will typically avoid turning left from the left turn lane of arterials, unless there is an island to protect me. In traffic, I tend to favour 2-step turns at night.

Keeping my speed in control is also a good idea. I'm not a fast rider and I don't have too many hills on my favourite routes, but when I have, I don't blast through hills unless there is good street lighting. Let's say that my headlights are good for 25-30 km/h, but not for 50-60 km/h.

[Bekologist]

I commute at night most of the year, and also go for pleasure rides downtown late sometimes. traffic is a lot lighter and it feels like you have the city at your disposal. I've been riding at night since college over 20 years ago. no big, its fun. even more fun on country roads, in the light of the full moon, I was on the North Cascades Highway this summer, riding in the light of the full moon- beautiful!

I use visible lights, front and rear. latest generation BRIGHT Cateye El-220 front headlight on flash, two Superflashes on the back, one angled off to the left side a bit. 10W Cateye trail rat gets run occasionally during bad weather systems and i desire even greater visibility, or need it for incredibly dark roads out in rural BFE.

approaching cross traffic on my 3 or 9, the side to side adjustability in the Cateye LED blinky light lets me aim it right into the driver's window approaching intersection, without having to waggle my handlebars or use a helmet light. I'll still use the waggle on ocassion, but its just as easy to take a hand off the bar and swivel the light.

Yellow reflective slo moving vehicle triangle, with the second superflash illuminating the triangle. it works very well.

Also, reflective tape wrapped around fork, seat stays and chainstays, gives 360 degree vis when illuminated by headlights. I run wheel reflectors (!) because i think they are very recognizable as a bicycle at night when viewed from the side. I also have CPSC certified front reflector and rear for legality and redundancy. Backup Vistalite is the rear reflector.

I wear reflective clothing. Flecco tape on helmet. I have fleco gloves for signaling and wear them sometimes. ANSI vest when i'm not wearing super flecco clothing.

I ride a bit more defensively at night, because drivers cannot see you as well and are looking for car-like light patterns.

However, I'm comfortable riding at night. late at night i really enjoy the way Seattle becomes a peaceful place to ride instead of the streets being jammed with distracted, impatient drivers playing Mario Andretti meets Grand Theft Auto.

Here's a view of the rear of my commuter ride. I've had a driver recently pull up next to me at night and roll down their window. Getting prepared to read the driver the riot act, only to have him tell me I was remarkably lit up. Also, some of the guys at the bike shop that drive to work have told me how visible I am riding at night.

I'd like to sport down for a HID but find it hardly necessary, but would increase my forward visibility.

[soze]

I live in a city, and love riding at night so much that riding during the day is a pain and a chore compared to it. I have plenty of light to see crap in the roadway, and the number of idiots in cars/trucks out on the road with me is greatly reduced so I can react to them all. But it's mostly me and the cops and the cabbies out at 4am. The freedom of miles of open road really have made me lazy in traffic, though.

I don't bother with a proper headlight. The ones I can afford aren't useful, just annoying and distracting. I'd like to get one of those Knog Frog LEDs though for visibility's sake.

[cyclezealot]

I feel that I'm more visible and safer at night (except for when I'm crossing interesections) than riding during the day. Where I'm at, there's less traffic at night, and I'm very lit up with 7 lights total.

However, I always do get a bit nervous when approaching intersections because I don't feel all that visisble from the side.
I wear reflecterizered straps about my ankles. They even make straps that function as blinkies. That circling motion, I hope catches their attention. I share your concern about intersections. Maybe my flashing blinkie on the handlebars can be seen from the side? I proceed at intersections with caution.

[Carusoswi]

I retired my 5 LED Cateye headlight in favor of their newest waterproof single led when it came out about a year ago (can't remember the exact model number of either - tried to look up both online only to discover that neither is promoted by Cateye - they apparently have been replaced by new models - my headlight looks almost identical to their new EL500

[filtersweep]

HH started it. How about why are you comfortable riding a bike at night? Very few do ride at night and it might be interesting to see why people who ride at night are comfortable with night riding.

I don't know where you live, but here in Norway, there is maybe five or six hours of daylight in the dead of winter, and there are bike commuters everywhere. I meet maybe twenty or thirty bike commuters on my way in to work in the morning. Almost all of us wear reflective vests--- even school kids WALKING to school use these vests. They have a new law the motorists must have a vest within reach of the driver's seat in the even they have car problems on the road.

Anyway, it is no big deal riding at "night"-- which is 8am or 4pm. Of course we all use lights, but jeebus, most of us aren't paranoid about what angles we can be seen, etc. It isn't rocket science.

[deputyjones]

I'm much more comfortable riding at night because Suzy Soccermom has parked her SUV and is safely on the couch watching Grey's Anatomy.

Very well put. My biggest fear regarding riding in traffic is the distracted driver. This is BY FAR the #1 cause of accidents in my experience, and by nature of my particular position I police a LOT of accidents. At night my lights are almost annoying they are so bright, and there are less distractions on the road (i.e. traffic, screaming kids in back seat, etc.) Also, it is more difficult for a driver to have his attention diverted to something off the road as it is all dark.

Speaking of the soccer mom's...What the hell is in the center console that they are ALL always messing with at stop lights? Every time I stop behind one of them they are hunched over messing with something down there.

[Daily Commute]

I wear an ANSI Class 2 Lime vest, reflective strips on my ankles, and panniers or a trunk rack with reflective striping. In addition, I have 2 rear blinkies plus a 13w front HID (flood) mounted on my handlebars. I have an LED on the handlebars for those rare occaisions when the HID battery runs out (the HID lasts 7:45 per charge). I also have an LED on my helmet. I use that for repairs or when passing by off ramps (so I can flash a light at the drivers by looking at them.

I also try to stay far enough to the left that side road traffic can see me.

The best time to ride is 4:30 - 5:00 am. It's so quiet, and all the drunks are home.

[wheel]

I don't ride a lot at night, but it can be quite peaceful. I've considered getting a reflective vest, but usually have a backpack on at night.

Are some vests adjustable to be able fit over a pack, assuming it's not too large of a pack?

Well you can cut your vest to and use a means to hang it on your back pack.
At 11 dollars not very expensive. I cut the back off and then use those black paperclips and clip it on. I then sue left over material for my handlebars and Panniers. .

[donnamb]

Speaking of the soccer mom's...What the hell is in the center console that they are ALL always messing with at stop lights? Every time I stop behind one of them they are hunched over messing with something down there.

Do you mean center of the dashboard or center between the driver & front passenger seats?

[ken cummings]

Lumping several questions into two parts. I have an intense 360 degree Zenon strobe on the rear rack that is visible in all directions but for a narrow space at 12 o'clock. The 35 (at the moment) watt headlight is visible from 10 PM to 2 AM o'clock. Full coverage. On vehicles coming from the side I can either twitch the handlebars that way or even flex the rubber headlight mount. No problem with seeing the road surface with a broad beam. From the shadow of the front wheel tout to 50 yards or more I can see things. No videos, any volunteers? Every few months of night riding someone admires the rear strobe.

[SunFlower]

i like riding at night because physically i always feel better after i have been up for a few hours at least. also, i like the cool air at night and the ability to be kinda stealth, lol. i take night riding over day anytime

[deputyjones]

Do you mean center of the dashboard or center between the driver & front passenger seats?

Between the seats...Can you solve the mystery?

[EnigManiac]

For me, the very facts that there are fewer cars and I am very visible with reflective strips and two very bright rear blinkies, tire lights, a reflective flag and a bright front blinkie makes me feel more secure than during the daytime when I am just one of many visual distractions to commuters and soccer moms yapping on thir cell phones, tapping on their Blackberries and yelling at their kids while fiddling with the radio controls.

[Carusoswi]

I retired my 5 LED Cateye headlight in favor of their newest waterproof single led when it came out about a year ago (can't remember the exact model number of either - tried to look up both online only to discover that neither is promoted by Cateye - they apparently have been replaced by new models - my headlight looks almost identical to their new EL500

BF System problems must have knocked me off as the above was posted in truncated fashion. I assumed no part of that message made it to the forum - while the forum was under repair, I reworked a more complete message that follows -

I run a year-old Cateye head light that looks almost identical to Cateye's new HL-EL530 (it's 4:00 AM and I don't feel like going out into the garage to look up the model number - can't believe Cateye doesn't even offer my light online after only a year - wow!) and some other Mfr's bright 7 LED tailight - and that's all I run. As a result of this thread and the exploration it enticed me to perform, I'll probably go out and have a look at that newest Cateye iteration of my headlight.

I prefer the high-end of Cateye's four-alkaline line because one of them is sufficiently bright (IMO) for me to see and be seen at night while riding on the road, and because their long run times make worrying about battery life/charging a thing of the past. They are also very reasonably priced IMO.

I ride some at night almost every single day. Other than making certain that I have freshly charged NiMHH batteries front and rear, I don't worry much about what I wear in terms of visibility. I also took those wheel reflectors off my bike.

I have added a "third-eye" rear view mirror to my helmet, so as cars approach from the rear, I can keep an eye on them. You get pretty good at observing their reaction as they take notice of you and I know for certain that cars approaching me from the rear are able to detect me from at least a mile or so.

Today's excellent lighting technology makes me feel very comfortable riding at night. As many of you have noted, approaching headlights from a car give a much more noticeable advance notice of their approach. In my view, there isn't much you can do at night or during the day to protect yourself from the inattentive or impaired driver, but, in terms of visibility, I feel I am as safe as I can be with my current lighting setup.

I would never criticize any of you who choose to increase your visibility by other means (reflective vests, tape, etc.) I am just not into it. I carry a rear bag that is trimmed in that white 3M reflective tape, but that's about all I have other than my lights. I wear black cycling clothes when I ride (because that color is what I own) - so my clothes don't help much in the way of visibility.

As I mentioned, I will have a look at that new Cateye - it's a 1-watt single LED that is supposed to produce 1500 candlepower. I wish I could find the info on my light - it was their brightest, most powerful 4-AA light and was brand new just a year ago. For me, brighter up front is always better, but I'm not willing to spend $400 or more on a super bright rechargeable "water bottle" system that will only run three or so hours between charges. That would send me back to the days when keeping my light charged was a more time consuming activity than riding the bike - when there were nights I couldn't (or wouldn't) ride because the batteries in my light(s) were low. I know those systems are getting better and weigh less than ever - and, for sure, they give you more respect from oncoming traffic at night. More importantly, I imagine that they would light your path the way a car's headlights do, so that you can literally see the road as well as if it were daytime. At some point, they will develop to the point when I will probably switch over - but not yet.
To be sure, if I ride in unfamiliar areas at night, spotting potholes soon enough to avoid them can be difficult with my setup. But, for the most part, I ride routes at night with which I am very familiar. I have never had an accident as a result of hitting any hole or obstruction while riding at night - and only one close call with a car - and that wasn't an accident, but a deliberate (and successful) attempt by some idiot to deliberately brush me with his/her right-side rear view mirror then race off into the darkness (not much I could do to avoid that!!).

I love riding at night for all the reasons cited by others. On a lonely road, it can be very peaceful. In traffic, well, it's just fun. Fun to negotiate, and even more fun to watch the reaction of auto drivers as they never seem to be amazed that a bicycle in traffic can often keep up quite easily and also at how visible today's lighting systems make a bike - we're almost as bright at night as they are . . . woopee!

When I spotted this thread in the cue, I asked myself why the heck anyone would start such a topic - but, being the BF addict that I am, I read it anyway. It has been a good read, and now, I'll probably be out another $50 or so because of the itch I have to possess the very latest/greatest in battery powered headlights (hadn't given lighting a second thought for a year - now I'm hooked again).

Caruso - - -

Since I couldn't get on to BF at all yesterday, there was time for me to get the info on my light - it's a Cateye EL500 - 1 watt claimed good for 1000 candle power by the mfr. I also took a 35 mile ride through howling and super cold winds - I saw not one other biker out today (it was cold and the wind was strong enough to blow me off course by surprise several times).

I also took a ride (alas, in a car) out to REI (Recreational Equipment Inc) to return some foot covers and had a look at some of their lighting systems - was tempted to contradict my statement above and spring for the Cygolite 16w tethered to a "water bottle" rechargeable - $99.00 - but decided to hold off and do some more research - I'm glad I did. The 16w is the sum of the high and low beam. I need to study this situation more before committing to an upgrade. I don't want to derail this thread so will post a question concerning lights separately.

Oh, and, welcome back BF - glad and most appreciative that you were able to sort out your HD problems.

Caruso

[wahoonc]

I don't mind riding at night, I was using a generic 3 led blinky on the rear and a 35 year old set of lights with a dyno hub...definitely low tech. I always have worn a basic reflective vest and added reflective tape to the rear of the bike and to my helmet. My newest "ride at night" bike has the Shimano generator hub, B&M N head light (3 watts I think) and a DToplight Plus on the rear rack. I have added a Bikeplanet SuperFlash Blinky to the seat post and I use a cheap LED head light in flash mode on the front for extra visibility. I also have reflective side wall tires. I have ridden at night for years and preferred it for several reasons, typically lower traffic levels and cooler. The last time I did any serious commuting at night I was using a pair of Cateye HL 300:eek: one aimed low and one higher. I did have a later generation version that ran the AA batteries but it was liberated at some point and I don't recall the model number. I have always gotten excellent service out of the Cateye products. I am going to pick up another of the SuperFlash lights and run it on steady on on my older bike without the stand lights, in addition to the blinky version. I have never had any really close calls at night and I ride on a variety of roads. I do avoid areas around bars and try to stay off the roads on military payday weekends. But I do that even if I am driving.

Aaron:)

[hotbike]

I have added to my electric system on my bike since I last wrote about it.

1) Reflective vest, with "strong yellow-green" striping.
2) 12 volt 12amp/hour battery,
3) Two fifty watt headlights (new, was a single 20 watt before).
4) Two amber marker lights, each with two bulbs, on the fairing.
5) Three red tailights, each with two bulbs, facing sides and rear.
6) 102 decibel piezo alarm (new, was 83 db before).
7) 4 chrome toggle switches on my fairing,
8) front and rear blinkies, in case my battery goes dead.

[CommuterRun]

Something that I left out of my earlier post that I think is not as important as active lights for being seen, but just as important for being noticed, is road position.

My default road position at night is the center of the right-most motor vehicle lane. I stay in this position until it becomes apparent that a vehicle approaching from the rear is very soon going to have to either change lanes or begin slowing. By this time I have decided if it is safe for me to shift to the right, and if I'm going to do that, or if I should continue on my line.

[sbhikes]

If those reflective vests are so cheap, why not wear one and have your backpack wear another one?

As for the center console, maybe that's where the DVD player controls are?