Every biker needs a sound light system to increase the quality of the ride. Be it a day ride or a night ride, the purpose of a bike light is to see and be seen on the road. Using the right bike light is essential for the safety and protection of the biker when doing different types of bike riding activities. It also helps the biker in formulating any bike riding activities of his preference regardless of biking conditions.
But what kind of lights do I need for my bike? The answer to this question will be found in this article as we deal with different parameters in using a bike light. Also included is extra information needed to ensure that every biker is equipped with all the knowledge he needs to acquire the right light for his bike.
Contents
The Importance of Having the Right Light for your Bike
Different types of biking activities will need different types of bike lights. For example, regular road biking may require different lights requirements compared to riding off the road. Since road riding is done basically on straight lines and with few barriers along the way, the light requirements should focus on what lies ahead. Meanwhile, a broader bike light is needed for off-road bikers to illuminate the trail and the area around the biker for him to see all of the obstacles on the way.
Your visibility on the road is essential regardless of the time you are biking. Because of this, being able to see and be seen on the road should be the main reason for equipping yourself with the right bike light. The bike lights you use should be enough for you to be seen by other road users and vice versa. After all, it is the safety of the biker and the other users on the road which is the priority in having the right bike light.
When you are bike commuting or road riding, you will need a higher lumen but narrow beam angle. Mountain biking and other off-road adventures will require you to use the dual light option. You can put a bike light on the handlebar with full beam angle and high lumens, while a helmet light is needed with low angle and high lumens. The purpose of this requirement is to have enough light around you coming from the handlebar while the helmet light will be used to seeing what lies ahead.
What Bike Lights are Required During the Day
There are many reasons why it is still vital to use a bike light even during the daytime. But one of the primary reasons is still the same: to enhance the visibility of the biker on the road. Although it is still not a law in most countries requiring bike lights during the day, it is still safer to be more visible on the road even with the sun is around. After all, bikers are one of the most vulnerable road users, be it at night or in the day.
Secondly, it is better to be prepared all the time when biking on the road. There will come a time that the weather condition will change quickly, which can affect the visibility of all road users. The unpredictability of the weather, especially during the winter season can make the road darker even during the day. This means it is always better to be prepared with a bike that is appropriately equipped with the right bike lights.
Lastly, bike lights can help enhance the visibility of the biker during the day. As we all know, reflective clothing and high-visibility winter gear can be more expensive. Having the bike light during the night can help the other road users to see. Bike lights are essential because they can be used year-round and will serve the biker any time of the day.
What Lights are Required on Bike at Night
It is better to be safe than sorry, especially when biking at night time. When you are bike commuting or doing a bike ride on the road after the sunset, being visible on the road should be your priority. The minimum requirement should be two bike lights when biking at night. A white light on the front, such as in the handlebar, can be installed, while a red flashing taillight at the rear should be enough to make you safe.
For a more serious riding on the road, I suggest having a more serious taillight. Blinking lights will be effective and will draw more attention in the dark. Another alternative is to use headlights to light your way into the night, especially during traffic. Headlights are very typical bright light which can provide by as much as 4000 lumens. But you will not need that kind of brightness; you will need just enough for you to see on the road.
For mountain biking at night, you will need more brightness in using a bike light. Buying a bike light from 700 lumens or higher should be enough to illuminate your way on the trail. You can buy up to 4000 lumens, but this can be very expensive. I suggest using a bike helmet light when biking on the trail. I feel that it is much better compared to putting it on the handlebar.
What is the Law About Using Lights on your Bike at Night
The law about using a bike light varies from one place to the other. If you are in the United States, most states require a white front light with a beam and a rear red reflector when riding after the sunset or in poor visibility conditions. Also, many states are requiring reflectors as a form of safety measure. Although reflectors can be replaced by using bike lights, combining the two is an excellent way to enhance your safety.
With regards to how strong your bike light should be, the law is not specific about it. But make sure to have a bike light which should be enough for you to see and not blind other road users. The law in using bike lights at night will all depend on what is stated in your place. So, you need to know what is required by law in your place in using bike lights.
Conclusion
Learning what kinds of lights are needed in a bike is essential for the safety and protection of the biker. Whether it is biking at night or during the day, it is necessary to know the type of bike lights you will be using to ensure safety while on the road.