Night Riding Tips: How to Safely Ride Bi cycle at Night

Night riding is one of the most enjoyable experiences. However, night riding can also be an extremely dangerous activity as it is difficult for others to see you and respond by avoiding you. This article includes helpful hints that can make your night riding safer and more enjoyable.

Tips 1: Buy a good light system

Whether you use a handlebar mount or helmet mount is a matter of preference. I have found that riding with both is nice because you can use the helmet light to see where you want to go, not where the bike is pointing. It's also real handy when you flat or break down at night and need to see to work on stuff.

Here are some good light systems for you information: http://www.mtbrevolution.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=20

Tips 2: Ride trails you are already familiar with

Exploring new terrain at night will either get you hurt, or most often lost.

Tips 3: Don't ride beyond the duration of your light battery

Don't ride beyond the duration of your light battery or you will be in the dark. This is okay if you're out of battery power and coming home on sidewalks, but real stupid if you're riding along with night traffic. If possible, use a rear red flashing light on your way home if you're within auto traffic. Better to be seen than run over every time.

Tips 4: Carry an extra shirt or light jacket

It's cooler at night and you will be happy to have some warm dry clothes if needed. This is especially true when climbing at night. You get to the top and you're warm and sweaty. Then you freeze up and really freeze on the downhill. Cold sucks and wet just adds to the misery.

How to Safely Ride Bi cycle at Night

Step 1: Wear bright clothing

Consider adding a fluorescent highlights on the back of your jacket, a smart message maybe. Your helmet is also a nice place for the same.

Step 2: Examine light system

Good lighting is a crucial factor in your safety. In the quest for stylish lighting, many manufacturers use undersized brake lighting and most will aim the headlight lower to the street than the legal angle allows. Your first step is to examine your front and rear lighting.

Step 3: Check your headlight aiming angle

Check your state regulation on aiming. Raise the beam to the maximum angle allowed by your state. You can do this without special tools by up-righting your bike and casting the headlight on the wall of your garage. 

Step 4: Consider your driving technique

Are you speeding so fast you will not be able to stop in time? Are you driving between vehicles waiting at a red light to get in front of the traffic? Are you racing with others? Are you trying to show off in front of a large group of people?

Last, ride at night as often as you can. It will train your eyes and build your overall riding confidence. There is a certain quiet peace about riding at night.