The cites are all over the internet. Look 'em up yourself. They differ based on year and locale. Some statistics are as high as: 3% to 4% of cyclists ride at night but account for 60% of cycling deaths, while others are as "low" as: 15% ride at night and account for "only" 37% of cycling deaths. Statistically speaking it is 4 to 8 times more dangerous to ride at night.

Alcohol (used by either or both cyclists and car drivers), lack of helmets, and lack of lighting are frequent contributing factors.

Any activity involves a risk/reward analysis. The irony of cycling is that most of us cycle for "health" reasons. Yet cycling can be a dangerous and sometimes fatal activity. It is undisputed that cycling at night increases those odds enormously.

It is also undisputed that we can reduce those odds by wearing helmets, obeying traffic laws, and making ourselves very visible.

The ultimate decision as to whether the rewards of night riding are worth the risks is up to the individual.
But don't make it sound as though any concern about the real and significant increased risks of night cycling is mere over-reacting.

And until you can give me "cites" that night cycling is as safe as riding a trainer, for the most part, I'll take my trainer.

Bob