Originally Posted by
sportsfan266
I've started riding my bike for a few days and have a couple of questions mostly regarding accessories.
2. Lights - on days that I have been riding, I've been getting in to work later and leaving later because the sun still isn't up early enough. Any advice about lights that people have? Do I need a front and rear light or will a reflector on the back work? Any advice about being visible right before sunrise would be great.
Thanks for your help!
Every State has laws regarding night time safety equipment for bicycles. OK requires a front light and rear reflector.
-Front light(s): You will get all kinds of answers because there is no consensus. There are those who claim that no more than 200 lumens is necessary, while others aren't comfortable without at least double that on low. Plenty of threads here in Commuting and in the Electronics forum on lights.
-Rear: Again, everyone has their opinion, though most people tend to agree that redundancy is a good thing. Also note that every light is bright when viewed at arm's length, but real world performance will vary greatly.