Clifton CC

Hi.

I think some of you have seen my night lights before as I've had them on my bike for rides, basically the 3 LED type lights, just wondering if they are ok for night riding, basically just wanting to cycle at these times like 9pm as its empty as they all gone clubbing so I'm left on my own and its not nice so I want to do something I like... cycling so wondering if my lights are ok for this time of night or if I may need some better ones? I only want to go from city center to didsbury, its never out of the city or into country side, its just through built up areas.

Think my lights are ok?

Frankly Will you can never have too much lighting. If you're riding regularly at night I'd suggest as well as lights you should wear as much reflective stuff as possible.

If I were you I'd invest in a reliable 'proper' bright front light source and use a couple of rear lights and a reflector - if you can afford a Garmin you should be able to stretch to something which might save your life.

What he said. It always amazes me the number of people you see riding round at night with helmets on but no light. Madness.

Smart do a range of cheap lights that are good. Aim for a 10 or 12W front light, and a good selection (at least two) of rear LEDs.

I tend to use either Smart or Cateye stuff for commuting. Its worth having some cheap backup lights like the following as the batteries last ages and they are small and light.

http://www.cyclexpress.co.uk/Products/H ... t_set.aspx

We rode with Exposure lights during RAAM and to be honest they where amazing. I had always ridden with Cateye before that, but the difference was astonishing. However they are expensive, but worth it.

Brian

If you're riding on lit roads, it's more important to ensure you're seen rather than buy candlepower to light up a road that's already lit. Lots of back lights and maybe a pair at the front - one constant, one flashing. Think christmas tree!

I have one of those bright green waste coat type things with reflectors on, my rear light holder broke and I don't have a screw for it so resorted to tie wraps yesterday.

I'll have to get another pair of lights but nothing expensive.

Well it seems for this 19 mile loop I do in the south of Manchester its ok for me to do it at night with the lights I have it seems as it is all well lit apart from one quarter mile stretch

The worst thing I had happen to me today was when the lights went green I set off and crashed into a person crossing the road as the lights went green, I said, " WOAH WOAH ****** Hell" he said "sorry mate", I said, "Its orite" , I'm so annoyed with myself, I'm not tough enough on people I should have told him where to go and to go to specsavers as the glasses he had on clearly where not right for him.

Nearly happened earlier back too, traffic lights went green, Chinese people started walking across!!

Will, presume everyone else is always stupid! If a car indicates left it might be turning right, if a pedestrian light says stop, some people might think it means go etc.

If you're ever at lights, don't presume green means go, green means check then go! (then you shouldn't hit anyone!)

(Although I'm no expert, in my mock driving test I had 35 minor errors, 8 major errors and one dangerous manouvre!)

Michael

The standard technique taught in advanced motorcycling is to assume unless you've made eye contact with someone (ie, effectively, fixed them with a hard ****-off stare) assume they don't have any idea you exist. It's a technique that saw me through years of motorcycling in London, and I recommend to you, Will. If you haven't stared, at least briefly, deep into their soul, assume you need to avoid whatever they do next. It'd be nice if it wasn't necessary, but sadly it is (which is why you should spend the minimum time looking at the Garmin and the maximum time keeping track of the idiots around you)!

will - you did right. There's no need to rant at him. Having a bike crash into him will discourage him from doing it again. Having a go will just make him annoyed.

Civility is a good thing. It was a mistake, no harm was done.