4 tips for safe cycling at night - News

Search News

Results: 31-40 of 109


BBC analysis reveals full extent of changes to Britain’s High Streets

6 Dec 2022

The BBC has published comprehensive analysis of Ordnance Survey data that reveals the full extent of changes to Britain's High Streets after two years of Covid lockdowns and trading... Read more…

Cycling UK names its 100 Women in Cycling 2022

30 Nov 2022

Cycling UK has published its annual 100 Women in Cycling 2022 list celebrating inspirational women in cycling.
Read more…

Cycling in London up 40% since the start of the pandemic, TfL reports

30 Nov 2022

Cycling in London has increased by 40% since the start of the pandemic, including a near-doubling of journeys by bike at the weekend, according to the newly published annual Travel in London... Read more…

UKCA mark deadline delayed - CE marks okay to use till end of 2024

29 Nov 2022

The Business Secretary, Grant Shapps, has announced that businesses are to be given a further two years to apply new product safety marking.
Read more…

New report claims UK lagging behind Europe in cycling infrastructure development

29 Nov 2022

A new survey of 2,000 British cyclists, which is part of a wider European report, claims that only just over a quarter of people in the UK think their local cycling infrastructure has improved... Read more…

VOLT announces partnership with award-winning insurance firm LAKA

28 Nov 2022

VOLT announces its new insurance collaboration with LAKA, three-time winners of the Best Cycle Insurance Provider category at the Insurance Choice Awards and pioneers of the ‘collective... Read more…

Large number of bike shops help Cambridge be as named best city for independent retailers

24 Nov 2022

According to a new survey, Cambridge is the best in the country for independent shopping to support small businesses. The study found that many of the city's small businesses turned out to be... Read more…

Indie Retailers in York to get funding boost from City Council

22 Nov 2022

Groups of independent retailers in York are to receive a £25,000 funding boost to help with promotion during the Christmas trading period and to attract more customers in 2023.
Read more…

IRC backs ‘Colour Friday’ alternative to Black Friday sales

22 Nov 2022

The IRC has joined bira and other retail trade associations in backing the ‘Colour Friday’ alternative to this week’s Black Friday sales.
Read more…

Wandsworth indies comes together to boost local business during Christmas

21 Nov 2022

Shop owners in Earlsfield, Wandsworth are teaming up in the run-up to keep the high street busy in the run-up to Christmas. With the cost-of-living crisis affecting independent shops, the... Read more…

Back to news menu

4 tips for safe cycling at night

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

In light (or lack of light) of the clocks going back on Saturday, it may feel as if the whole of the UK has been suddenly plunged into darkness.

However, cycling in the dark does not need to be daunting and can become an enjoyable, even exhilarating, experience when efficient preparations are made. Following these tips will help you to stay safe during dark winter nights and take full advantage of your time with the moon.

1. Lights

The number one way to prepare for cycling in the dark is to invest in some good bike lights! According to the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations, it's illegal to cycle on a public road after dark without lights and reflectors, this includes a white light showing from the front of your bike and a red light from the rear. These are important to not only see the road in front of you and your surroundings, but also to ensure that other road users can see you!

Rechargeable battery lights are recommended, it is also important to ensure the battery runtime exceeds the length of your planned journey. It's always better to be safe than sorry and carry backup lights with you at all times.

2. High-visibility clothing

High-visibility clothing includes anything that comes in fluorescent and bright colours to make sure you're spotted, or anything reflective too. Modern cycle jackets are also generally well insulated and breathable to keep you warm on dark winter nights! This is not limited to a bag or jacket, reflective or lit up helmets are also recommended, as well as reflective tape to stick to your bike or pedals- anything that is most likely to catch a motorists eye!

3. Puncture repair kits

Fixing a mechanical in the light is already not very fun, fixing it in the dark can become a real issue- the last thing you want is to be stuck in the dark, pushing your bike home. A full puncture repair kit should be taken with you, as well as any other tools to fix the most common mechanical failures, from spare inner tubes to a well-stocked multi-tool with a chain breaker.

4. Route planning

Whether you are commuting for work, training or riding for fun, roads can often look unfamiliar in the dark so ensure that you learn the route that you are taking ahead of time. This can be done by memorising a route beforehand or taking a phone with you with a maps function. It may also be worth choosing to ride on well-lit roles that have a smoother surface to avoid potholes!

When keeping these 4 tips in mind a late-night cycle can be a great way to stay in shape and enjoy all that the night has to offer, including quieter roads, interesting wildlife and a sense of solitude. If you have any additional tips for riding in the dark please let us know in the comments!

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.

The Cycling Experts is brought to you by the Association of Cycle Traders.