anyone do much riding at night? any tips for not getting run over while riding at night?

i love riding at night. I did it at a big organised event the first time through the night. on my own I ride on the mup. very safe.

I frequently ride before sunrise. In my opinion the trick to staying safe, when riding in the dark, is a very good light system.

All the time. Key is good lights as already mentioned. I prefer two lights front and two back for reduncancy.

educate me...what is "the mup"?

Multi-Use Path.

I used to think they were safe at night too, then recently there have been a couple muggings on the Custis Trail in Northern VA.

Get good lights. Go to the electronics subforum here.
I run a Magic Shine and and MTE SSC P7 flashlight both feature rechargeable LiOn batteries. I really like have a helmet mounted light so that I can light up corners, turn the light onto side streets to alert approaching cross traffice, etc. One on the bars the other on the helmet.
I run a Cateye TLD 1100 and a Trek branded blinkie on the rear. The Cateye light has side mounted LEDS as well as rearward facing LEDS to help light me up from the side as well.
I tend to ride on less traveled roads if possible and spend a bit of time on the bike paths in our neighborhood. I also have reflective bits on my shoes and helmet to help make me easier to see.
Mounting a light lower makes the objects it illuminates cast a longer shadow, making obstacles / potholes in the road easier to avoid.

I do ride at night from time to time.

How not to get hit while riding at night:
1. Use a good light system (front as well as rear)
2. Ride like you're invisible.

Even with a light system it takes time to recognize that the "lights" are "right there". Even for me, a cyclist that knows about helmet and bar lights, it takes me a few seconds to figure out where the rider is relative to the car.

The best thing I found for myself is using a glow-light kind of system, like the underbody lights (think Fast and Furious). Not only do they attract good attention, meaning the drivers notice you, it give them a sense of reference for where you are because they can see your bike as well as your lights. Without seeing the bike it's hard to judge if that bright white light is 50 feet ahead or 50 yards ahead.

From here:


Those are now no longer sold (Down Low Glow aka DLG, by Rock The Bike) but there are similar LED lights that wrap around your frame, attach to the frame, etc.

Wheel things will give good reference to your location as well. I used to use a hoop-like reflector when I did very regular night rides. If I didn't have the DLG I'd get LED lights for the wheels.

It helps to know the road/path. It's much better focusing on what's way up ahead instead of what's 10 feet in front of you. If you have a bar mounted light I'd point it at least 20 feet away so you don't get into the habit of looking right under your bars (so to speak).

A final tip. If you use a helmet mounted light it lights where you look. It's very eye catching when a light suddenly shines at you while you're driving. In this area people regularly run stop signs and red lights so looking at them as they approach makes them slow down. I think their first reaction is that it's a cop, the second is that 'whatever it is I don't want to hit it'.

Ride safe out there,
cdr

Bright lights, like the gremlins.

Riding at dusk is a lot of fun, and very scenic.

You need to light yourself up like it's Christmas.

Careful about that. Esp. if riding carbon fiber.

So CF not only asplodes, it's subject to spontaneous combustion?

Thank God I can only afford aluminum!

I need one for my xmas display . . .

Edit: more seriously, be creative. I like using tires with reflective sidewalls. Use lights and reflectors and light yourself up just like the pic.

Edit: well maybe not just like the pic, that's kinda ugly but you get the idea.

One thing that has come up in other discussions of lights is that a flashing light attracts attention, while a steady light allows drivers to judge your distance & location better. I use a bright flasher on the bike frame somewhere, and a steady light clipped to a zipper pull on my Camelback (or on the back of the saddle if I'm not wearing a pack).

I have a 400 lumen Cygolite up front, but when I commuted a few times at night, I also added a 200 lumen on my helmet.

Safety in numbers also helps if you can find a group that rides at night.

+100. I only ride at night in a group, the larger the better.

Not only does this help with visibility for drivers, it also deters criminals.

Did it all winter. MagicShine 808 front light and Planet Bike SuperFlash out back.

I ride at night all summer long here due to the heat...

I grew up in Va Beach & Norfolk... Come on down here to the ATL in July and find out what real summer heat is.

Good Front Light somewhere 200 Lumen to 500 Lumen if the area you ride has good proper street lights, if you ride in areas with no street lights you might want to consider 1000 lumen lighting system.
Bright back lighting is important.

I also have reflective tires. just incase cars coming from side.

Come to Dallas, Texas in August. I will show you some heat. And I have numbers to back my claim up.

https://www.currentresults.com/Weathe...ays-cities.php

When in my car I'll see bikes coming towards me all lit up and wonder what is heading in my direction. Not until they are close can you tell what and where they are.

Pretty much what everyone else has said. Get nice lights(rechargeable) at least 700 lumens IMO. Take the lane when you need to and watch the road for headlights to know when cars are coming and sound. By mindful of busy intersections/areas.

edit: I avoid riding friday nights or nights/areas where I know people have been heavily drinking

Wear reflective clothes. either that or

Don't get t boned.