Headlight Question
 

Hello. I read the "Light Selection Guide" but I'm still unsure of what I should get. I sometimes need to ride at night and would like something to see the path better. I mostly ride on sidewalks, so I don't really need to be seen. I really need it for when I am around the residential area where I live. I've ridden many times without any lights, so it's not like it is complete darkness. I think an HID is too much. I was guessing a Halogen, somewhere between 5 and 15 watts. Could I use an LED light? Thanks

If you're on the sidewalks, you definitely need to be seen. Pedesterians look for people moving their speed, not 4-5x their speed.

There aren't many pedestrians where I ride during that time of day.

Its not the pedestrians you need to worry about on the sidewalks, its' the cars pulling into or out of driveways. They are not expecting a bike moving on the sidewalk nor should they. That last time I looked into the stats you are about twice as likely to get creamed on a sidewalk as out in the road. If you are going to keep riding on sidewalks you need something better then 4 or 5 watts. A 20 watt halogen or better please. Or two lights at 10 watts each, one tight beam to light the walk and one floodlight to warn the drivers. Aside from lights, truly, consider taking the LAB (League of American Bicyclists) effective cycling course.