Motor vehicles may become a danger when it comes to cycling, especially if you ride at night.
If you are an avid cyclist, you may not want the time of day to interfere with your ride. Many people enjoy riding at night for a variety of reasons. According to the Cleveland Clinic, if you want to ride safely, you need to take proper precautions.
Make yourself visible
The best way to avoid an accident is to be visible. Passenger vehicles have no excuse not to notice you if you stay lit up. Some riders choose to use reflective duct tape, others may purchase reflective clothing. Reflective clothing lights you up when headlights hit you.
In addition to reflective clothes, you may want to invest in a bike lighting system. Your bike needs rear and front lights with 800 lumens or higher.
Map your route
Before you start your trip, map your routes. You should seek out routes that have light traffic and a lot of lighting. Try to stick to roads that have bike lanes or trails that provide ample room for cyclists.
When planning your route, make sure the lights stay on at night. Some neighborhoods turn their lights off after a certain hour at night. In addition to planning your route, make sure to practice extra caution. No matter how lit up it is or what type of gear you have, try to ride at a slower speed after dark and avoid poorly lit roads.
For extra protection, radar systems can alert you when a car approaches. It may also light up for other vehicles to notice when riding.
