Tag: bike lights

Be Safe and Be Seen This Winter

Posted on by Secretary

The clocks go back on Sunday, which means darker evenings. Spokes is urging all cyclists to be seen and be safe by using lights and reflectors on your bike. Without these, you are not only illegal, but drivers may not see you and your risk of being involved in a crash is much greater.

The law requires that you have a white front-facing light. a red rear-facing light and a red rear-facing reflector fitted to your bike if riding at night. You are also legally required to have front and rear-facing amber reflectors on both pedals.  The police have the powers to stop anyone they catch cycling without these and issue a £50 penalty.

There is a bewildering array of lights available from cheap ‘flashers’ costing a few pounds to high power units costing several hundreds of pounds. There is also a wide range of clothing that you can buy, including fluorescent and reflective kit.

What you buy will depend on the type of riding that you intend to do. Some kit is better than others, but the rule of thumb is that you get what you pay for.  If you only ride at night occasionally on streetlit urban roads, then the priority is to be visible to other road users. A set of flashing lights and perhaps a slap band on the ankle will suffice.  However, if you are rising on unlit roads, then you will need something brighter, not only to increase your visibility to other road users, but also to light up the road ahead of you. You may also want to invest in come hi-viz clothing – a combination of bright colours and reflectives helps you to be seen in both low light and night-time conditions. This useful video helps to demonstrate the various option.

Remember that Spokes members get 10% off all lights and clothing at participating local bike shops, including Banjo Cycles and the Specialized Concept Store in Newbury.

Be Safe, Be Seen – Get Some Lights!

Posted on by Secretary

The clocks went back last night, which means that it gets darker earlier. Unfortunately this always coincides with a big increase in the number of cyclists involved in road traffic accidents. Don’t be another statistic – make sure that you have working lights and reflectors if cycling after dark.

If you’re only going to be cycling occasionally in street-lit areas, then you just need a set of small, battery-powered, flashing lights that are bright enough to catch the attention of other road users. You can pick up a decent set for around £20.

If you are a regular commuter, then consider upgrading to some rechargeable bike lights that you can recharge at your desk. These should also put out a bit more light than the small flasher. Expect to pay from £30 upwards for a pair.

If you are venturing out into unlit roads, then you will need something a bit beefier at the front that will light up the road and let you see where you are going. Look for something with a rating of at least 300 lumens. Torch lights within internal battery packs can put out as much as 1,200 lumens. This is more than you’ll ever need for road riding, but on lower settings they will run all night. Expect to pay from £50 upwards.

Finally, don’t forget the reflectives. The law says that if you are out after dark, then you must have a red reflector at the back and orange reflectors on the pedals front and back. Reflectors on the spokes and tyre side walls and reflective patches on your clothing also help to get you noticed.

Remember that Spokes members get 10% off at Banjo, Specialized Concept Store and Supernova, so there really is no excuse!

Be Bright – Be Safe – Be Seen

Posted on by Secretary

Now that the clocks have gone back, it’s getting dark earlier and that has an impact on cyclists.

On average over the last 5 years, the number of cyclists injured after dark on Berkshire’s roads shoots up from 20 in September to 40 in October and 59 in November.

It’s important for cyclists to be visible in order to stay safe and that means lights, reflectors and hi-viz. The law requires cyclists to have lights front and back, a red reflector at the back and amber pedal reflectors. If you’re caught by the police cycling on the roads after dark without lights an reflectors then you could be liable for a £30 fine.

There is a bewildering array of lights on the market, so if you’re after a bit of advice, then check the Spokes Guide to Bike Lights. Also, remember that Spokes members get 10% off lights and hi-viz clothing at local bike shops!