4 tips for safe cycling at night - News aa

Search News

Results: 31-40 of 128


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…

Dave Wilsher ex-ACT Director wins Family Business of the Year

18 Nov 2022

Dave Wilsher ex-ACT Director wins Family Business of the Year at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce awards.
Read more…

Confront the recession head on, says the ACT.

17 Nov 2022

Cycle retailers around the UK facing up to the imminent challenges of recession will need to stay one step ahead of the curve to survive. Now is the time to benefit from being part of something... Read more…

Grants of £30K available to create up to eight secure cycle storage facilities across Belfast

15 Nov 2022

Belfast City Council is seeking expressions of interest to provide publicly accessible secure cycle storage facilities across the city.
Read more…

Global Bicycle Market Forecast to reach $130 billion by 2033

15 Nov 2022

New research from Research Nester has forecast that between now and 2033, the global bicycle market could reach an estimated value of approximately $130 billion, by expanding at a compound... Read more…

Mary Portas warns government to act now or see half of high street shops shut

14 Nov 2022

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement this week, retail expert Mary Portas called on the Government to rethink business rates and VAT to help struggling retailers.
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.