Match the light to your riding environment.

Different strength of lights (lumens)  are required for different riding environments. Understand the riding environment that you want to be able to ride in and get the right lights to match that environment. Do you need lights so you will be seen by other motorists, cyclists and pedestrains? Do you need to also see with those lights riding at night on the road and cycleways? Do you need to see on off road trails at night- that is night mountain biking?

Strength of Bike Lights.

The strength of lights is measured in lumens

Front lights for riding in darkness, with no additional light, should be at least 200 lumens

Positioning of Bike Lights.

Making yourself visible. The more visible you are the lower the risks if riding at dusk, night or in conditions where it may be challenging to see you, or just busy environements. Lights need to be attached to the front for visibility to oncoming traffic and at the rear for traffic from behind. Sidelights also increase your visibility to others especially when turning. Stacking lights offers visibility at different heights as well as using different modes… one light flashing to attract attention, the other constant for judging distance.

Modes and Settings

Bike Lights often have different modes. A flashing light attracts the eye so is important in poor weather conditions, in very busy environments or when motorists may not be expecting a cyclist. A solid beam light allows others to understand how far you are away from them and also provides you light to see by. It is important to understand your lights different modes and use them well.

Learn more at Features of Bike Lights ,  The Right Bike Lights for your Riding Environment

Attachment of Bike Lights

Is it fixed or flexible? A fixed attachment is a light that mounts to a attachment fixed to the bike . A flexible attachment – requires no tools and gives you flexibility to switch the lights between bikes and users so can be shared by family members that ride at night.

Where should you attach the lights?  Front lights. The handlebars. For the ultimate visibility you can vertically stack your front – one on the helmet and one on the handlebars. Rear Lights – seatpost and other options are carriers, helmets a bag or clothing. For the ultimate visibility vertical stack your lights. Find out more about Attaching Bike Lights

Waterproof

If you ride in rain or could be caught out in the weather then your bike lights should be waterproof.

Batteries / rechargeable and length of light time

A USB rechargeable light requires no batteries. You need to consider the run time of the light and whether that will meet your riding time requirements – you do not want to be caught out without light. A rechargeable bike light generally costs more however they cost nothing to run. A battery run bike light requires you to replace the battery.

Find out more  Features of Bike Lights  The Right Bike Lights for your Riding Environment

Size and Weight

The size of the light effects that amount space required at the point of attachment to the bike eg. make sure you have enough space on the handlebars or the seatpost.  If you are going to carry your lights around between use then you may require lightweight, less bulky bike lights.

Youth/Kids

If you are considering letting your young teen ride on the road by themselves please see our Guide: Independent Riding in Traffic, 10-11yrs olds.  Teens need bike gear that is easy to use and carry.  If it can be lightweight and multi-use even better.  Our kids carry enough in their backpacks without loading them down with additional items, that they may lose – remind them to remove lights when they leave their bike!

Young kids will not be biking at night but they may be out in low light and poor weather.  Their safety is compromised because they are small and are harder to see on footpaths.  Their decision making is not as good as yours, so you may choose to help make them more visible by using bike lights & bright clothing.

Learn more at: Bike Bells and Bike Lights for Kids

Mountain Bike Lights

Mountain biking at might requires the right lights for your safety. 

Learn more at: Mountain Bike Light Buying Guide

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