How To Ride In The Dark - Top Tips For Cycling At Night

[@gcn]

What set-up do you use when riding in the dark?

[@jamesturner1311]

Exposure Trace(r) fore and aft; Exposure Toro front; and Moon helmet light. Underslung lights in an attempt to keep them off the Garmin screen.

[@jeanrompre9497]

Beside the front and back lights I recently got reflective sidewall tires and spokewheel reflectors.

[@jamesbell5977]

Moon meteor storm pro (2000 lumen) front light, for riding home on unlit busy roads with nasty potholes - bright enough to see the texture of the road clearly and from far enough away to comfortably react to road conditions at speed. Has a 100 lumen mode good for shared paths. Two rear lights. Hi-vis softshell and hardshell jackets depending on weather forecast. With this setup I actually feel safer at night than during the day on busy roads.

[@aaronli1488]

What lights do you use for aero handlebars? Most of the mounts I see are for circular bars.

[@mickeyatbp]

enfitnix 400 lumen front light, gaciron 60 lumens rear light, dragon queen insignia. for bigger bikes, i would suggest adding rear lights on bike frame and fork.

[@craig8694]

75-80% of my riding is in the dark, but at 3:00am. All good tips. Especially the brief mention about the dramatic reduction in traffic. At that time in the morning I can cover 30 or more miles without encountering a single automobile A+. Other advantages include the fact that the headlights on the cars give you earlier awareness as they are approaching from behind and the general noise level is a lot quieter, which also increases your awareness of your surroundings. But DEFINITELY WATCH for critters - small and LARGE (like deer) - almost ran into a skunk yesterday.... boy, that would have stunk.

[@Bellezzasolo]

I tend to adjust my routes at night - for instance, I'd have used back roads here during the day. But, nighttime, yeah, 70 mph limit doesn't matter if there are basically no cars around! Much less likely to hit gravel or a pothole, or wet leaves, on a well maintained main road. Actually, I'd detoured from my planned route here because when I turned off the main road I had been on it felt gravelly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5-qkKynedKEnqc

[@somhrsh]

I see i see

[@gcn]

That's an early rise Craig, nice work! Glad you enjoy nice riding so much 🙌

[@jamesturner1311]

Another benefit of a helmet light is being able to see if you have to repair a flat or other mechanical!

[@gcn]

Great point! Saves you from holding the front light between your teeth and struggling on the side of the road 😬

[@jamesturner1311]

@@gcn Never easy with the Exposure Toro that I ride with!

[@888johnmac]

yes , this is a huge bonus

[@baskruitnl]

Great that you mention that blinking lights are illegal in some countries (like here in The Netherlands indeed). That's actually the first time I've seen that mentioned in any video.

[@marcinorlowski4125]

Same in Sweden

[@andyp123456]

It's also REALLY annoying to ride with someone who has their lights blinking. Yes, it saves battery, and makes you more visible, which I think is definitely excusable in some cases, but it is quite distracting. I've noticed more people here in Japan using super bright lights in town, which are also annoying because it can spoil your adjusted night vision when you see them, and they look more like scooters because the light source appears much larger. Totally fine on country trails and hills though, because you can't see anything with just a little LED for visibility when there isn't any street lighting.

[@Nico-hz2to]

@@andyp123456 the thing is that a blinking light is just harder to assume the speed. A static light is better to guess someone's Speed.

[@gcn]

It's certainly worth looking into the laws in your area 🔎 Thanks for watching!

[@mikewade777]

flash lights in the UK are for low visibility or lit streets with static and moving lights, obviously not blue to make the cyclist stand out from car head lights and shop advertising. Flashing lights are no good to anyone in pitch black... Obviously.

[@RoninCycling]

Thank you for illuminating us on this topic and not keeping us in the day.

[@gcn]

🥁 Ba Dum Shhhhh Dan would be proud 🙌

[@magellcandelaria1948]

For after dark or pre-dawn rides I wear a reflective vest or gilet made by ProViz (a UK company as I recall). The fabric surface is covered in very small highly reflective glass beads visible from great distance even in low light conditions. One distinct advantage is that though sleeveless it covers your entire torso consequently presents maximum reflective area when illuminated. I ride in the dark comfortable in the knowledge that with the vest and lights and reflective details on my frame, helmet, kit that I am about as visible as a cyclist can be in low light conditions.

[@rickbeckner9906]

Thanks. A couple additional recommendations. Lumos makes helmets with integrated lights, including lights on the side. Marine grade reflective tape is cheap and super reflective and can easily be applied to rims, exposed seat posts, etc.

[@gcn]

The tape is a good cheap option to make yourself stand out at night 🔦

[@topi3146]

Maybe another thought to the point of visibility. Although black clothing looks cool, it is maybe better in the dark time of the year to wear clothing with brighter colors in general.

[@willmo1725]

Maybe more visible, just slightly. Black gear will feel fantastic though when the sun rises. Turning all that sun light into heat. Winter gear in black makes good sense.

[@chrisfanning5842]

If it's not reflective the colour really makes no difference in dark or low light; Bright colours are only of benefit during the day and the minute drivers and riders turn their lights on, it's all about the reflective gear.

[@markrskinner]

Ban black cars.

[@l3gaming27]

I'll add reflective wrist straps or a reflective pattern on gloves, very useful when you are signalling to turn and can be spotted alot further away.

[@gcn]

Great tip 👍

[@Aragorn.Strider]

3:27 spoke reflectors, yes I have those too! No batteries needed, they are light (in weight) and work well, where otherwise my bike from the side is pitch dark There are also (some) helmets with a red light added in the back. But yes, make sure you know the route, know where the bumps are. Be wary of tired/sleepy car drivers. Wear something warm, keep the route a bit short, drive a bit slower, and don't sweat.

[@ColinBroderickMaths]

I love riding at night just because of the lack of traffic. It's so much less stressful so everything feels so much better.

[@gcn]

It can be very calming 👌

[@PolarisFlare]

I regularly do 3am rides as my commute to work and it's all downhill. It feels great to have the road to myself, but it gets real cold. That being said, I have a 850-lumen headlight that also acts as a battery pack with a 10500mAh capacity, a taillight I strap to one of my seat stays since my aero seatpost is too deep for it to fit there, and reflective vest and cover for my bag. I actually didn't know sidelights exist until now. I'm getting one asap. Great suggestion!

[@ColinBroderickMaths]

That light sounds like a beast, what is it? I have a volt800 and it's really good, but old now and the battery doesn't last as long as it used to. Looking for something new.

[@PolarisFlare]

@@ColinBroderickMaths It's a Rockbros BC29. There are similarly named ones like BCOIIUE BC29, but they're the same headlight with different mounting systems. The "BC29" is the one to look for. Watch out for the BC32 though. That only has a 2400mAh capacity at 600 lumens. Also I misremembered the capacity. It's actually 10000mAh but a full charge still lasts me around 1.5 months.

[@gcn]

Sounds great! Enjoy the side lights 💪

[@jennifercash1093]

I think it is worth pointing out the difference between hi-vis and reflective kit - Reflective kit is far far more visible in the dark than hi-vis. But Hi-Vis is far more visible in poor light. The number of cyclists I see wearing dark clothing in low light is terrifying! 3M do a great video explaining the differences in how visible we are!

[@leftylee5068]

That black GCN kit looks great in daylight but is swallowed up by the darkness. Always opt for bright colored kit at night!

[@lbx5359]

I was about to say this! Reflective and fluoro are meant to be complementary. Reflective catches the eye in the dark whereas fluoro makes shapes more discernable. And reflective only works as a mirror, ie. when the observer is also a light source. It is not that effective with city lights or right before dusk. On the flip side, fluoro works by re-emitting absorbed light in a diffused manner- it isn't very visible when ambient light is too low.

[@OmmerSyssel]

I ran an old stubborn woman down, because of her dark clothing and zero light! Cost me a fortune 😱💸💸💸

[@paddyotoole2058]

The good news is that a lot of hi viz clothing available on the market also has reflective panels and elements on it also, so you will be more visible in both low light and darkness.

[@XEinstein]

Please share a link to that video

[@amandajane8227]

After doing a night ride with someone who had reflective rims on their tyres I came home and ordered myself a set. They really do light up the bike like a fair ground ride. The great thing about night rides is the opportunity to spot owls.

[@gcn]

Great purchase! Owl spotting, what more could you want from a ride 👀

[@johne7100]

And badgers, and cats in reflective waistcoats. I didn't spot the deer that sideswiped me in the Jura, though. It had left its hi-viz at home.

[@OmmerSyssel]

@@johne7100 definitely have to fix those careless animals...

[@TheHaitian]

Great tips all around. If you don't want to wear the reflective jacket, I use reflective arm bands. They are small and can easily be stored in your back pocket. Safe riding out there everyone.

[@gcn]

Thanks for the comment! 👌

[@AndrewEbling]

+1 for lights on your helmet - I had noticeably fewer close calls at roundabouts, when I started riding with a light on my helmet.

[@johne7100]

There's little to beat a hub dynamo and lights that turn themselves on and off via a photocell. Power loss is ~5W, i.e. not noticeable, and not having to think about them is a big advantage. +1 for having backup lights front & rear in case your dynamo goes down or a cable comes adrift. You can also run your GPS off the dynamo and keep the backlight on all night. If you get a head-torch try and get one that has both red and white modes - looking down at a route sheet with a white LED will kill your night vision PDQ. As will looking at car headlamps, so look to the side of oncoming cars if possible. Re flashing lights being illegal in different countries, in France they're only legal if you also have a non-flashing light as well.

[@OmmerSyssel]

I'm considering SON dynamo wheel, though pretty expensive. Which one are you satisfied with?

[@johne7100]

@@OmmerSyssel I have two, an SON and an SP-8. Both of them are excellent.

[@vicnichols3674]

Riding late in the evening much more pleasurable than rush hour. I rode to work for 10 years all year including winter. Out at 5.30am and back 5.00 to 6.00pm. Car headlights could be blinding over brow of hills but did aid vision. Started off with cheap battery powered lights but soon learned the hard way. now run Exposure and Hope lights (1300 lumens). Now working from home since the pandemic in 2020 but still ride out in the evenings. Will continue now clocks go back. Great Vid, cheers, Vic Nichols.

[@catshoemike]

In the dark, even on tarmac I much prefer riding my gravel bike (with some 40mm fast rolling tyres on an extra set of wheels). The roads around everywhere can be dreadful at the best of times, and it's nice to have that bit of safety margin when you might not spot the potholes.

[@TalleyrandsPuppet]

I train after dark, and the slow gravel tires on tarmac allow me to hit the watts I need without having to go too fast in the dark.

[@crbondur]

Thanks for this. I'm not really thrilled about it, but I know that riding in the dark is the best way to stay motivated during the late Fall/Winter.

[@bmwflyfisher]

Come on Chris! Come join us on the dark side on Tues/Thurs!

[@paulcarter2048]

Some great points... No rat incidents so far, but numerous skunks, raccoons, and a single suicidal rabbit. You talked about the temperature, but there was no mention of rain - I'd love to hear what you have to say about rain gear. My family bikes for everything, in Vancouver, Canada - fun, commuting, grocery shopping, going to the pub, whatever - and in the long dark of winter on Canada's Wet Coast, trying to find reliable, warm, effective rain gear has been expensively hit and miss. In heavy rain and +3C, gloves that can get wet, keep your hands warm, and not slip off the bars are like gold. So are dry shoes, anything on your legs that keep them warm, wet or dry, and jackets that don't leak. I've given up on clear lenses... Lastly, a question: if you truly value being seen at night, why on earth wear mainly black? Love the show - thanks again.

[@bubblesezblonde]

LIGHTS! I LOVE lights on bikes. In the USA it is best to run them whenever the bicycle is moving. I like two headlights (of different makes) in fact so the flash modes in the daylight doesn't synchronize. The modern lights are SOOO nice compared to the generators and battery units we used to use back in the late 70's. I also like rim, frame and spoke lights. I saw that Harriot is trying some pedal lights that look interesting....loved the vid!

[@gcn]

Modern lights really are great, and relatively inexpensive. Do you fancy giving the pedal lights a try? 🙌

[@bubblesezblonde]

@@gcn lol I am of Scots/Irish stock soooo... I am awaiting Harriot's report with bated breath ;) However, I just discovered BMX pedals so I am replacing all my pedals with them at the moment.

[@bimblingalong]

"be bright be seen" they say... whilst wearing all over black 😂

[@andyp123456]

What we need is hi-vis lycra!

[@JMcLeodKC711]

Yeah…I’m pretty sure Castelli has some hi-vis stuff

[@luntiangrace]

The bike is black too... 😅😅😅

[@buzzman4860]

If a driver can't see their lights they are dead anyway

[@govermentsoundsystemrootik8887]

Why would it matter if your clothes are dark & your bike is black as bike lights are made for making sure that you are seen in the dark is it not 🧐 or what exactly am i missing about being seen in the dark with a set of bike lights 🧐

[@alantyrell41]

The most important message was missed. Aim your lights down. Blinding an oncoming car driver on a country lane is a dumb idea. And remember to low power the light when in built up area.

[@gcn]

Great tips Alan 🎉

[@chuchuchip]

Most of my riding is at night since I work nights. Lucky enough a bike path is my route however near work & home are side streets. I use 2 lights forward & back. Rear has a blinking red on my trunk bag on the rack I have a Garmin Radar light, newer version I find brighter, have both. In front I have a Cateye off road light (2x power) on low which is still very bight! Good for about 3 - 4 hrs. on low. Secondary light is the small NiteRider Lumina. This one is set to blink, but but bright enough to be a headlight. They come in different brightness ranges. I wear jersey tops with reflective strips. Takes about an hour to get to work, but with the constant road reconstruction in NYC's 5 boroughs it takes the same time by car. 33 miles round trip a day, 5 days a week,, over the past 15 years, I think I'm in pretty good shape for 63. Not to mention the extra money in my pocket because I don't fill up with gas (petrol) that much.

[@_JS96]

I adore the "middle of the night hush" out in the country where I live. I've done thousands of hours of solo hiking and cycling training at night this year. I use dollar store safety glasses (there's a big selection of shapes and styles, all for just a few bucks, and since there's not the UV problem to solve, cheap is great!) mainly for wind around my eyes. I use a Fenix PD36R for all my road lighting needs, and I attach it through an Olight FB-1. Blinking reds in the back. Always pack merino wool base layers for those near/sub zero nights. Out in the country we also get raccoons, skunks, bats, birds flitting off from the grass, the occasional deer/moose, a lot to keep a close subconscious eye out for, cause your reaction time to seeing them is also much shorter than in daylight. Good tips in the vid!

[@gcn]

Good work! keep it up 💪 How do you find the cheap glasses compared to the branded options? Can you find them with interchangeable lenses?

[@allicat140]

I ride in the mornings and start out in the dark. Ditto everything you said, especially about taking it slower. I have my daily deer sightings this time of year, and leaves on the pavement can be really tricky.

[@marianneoelund2940]

Leaves can also hide hazardous objects. I was riding to work one morning (it was not dark) along a street lined with trees that were being pruned, and my front wheel struck a hidden, short piece of thick limb that had been left there by the landscape workers. The unexpected harsh bump knocked my hands off of the handlebars, spun the front wheel hard left, and I got launched off the bike. Fortunately there was no serious damage done, so it was a good lesson for me: Don't ride through deep piles of leaves.

[@chrislatchem1854]

Note that for motorcyclist something like 80% of fatalities are at night. Lights can make you more 'stand out' in the motorist mind though, than in day IF there aren't a lot of other lights around. But in many urban circumstances you are just 'visual clutter' if you are not a car. I used to prefer riding at night for the peace. But my vision isn't as good as it used to be so that is a factor. If you are doing rides like Paris-Brest-Paris you pretty much have to ride at night. (Have one friend who didn't like to ride at night, so he went SO fast that he could pretty much do all of B-M-B in the daylight, but that isn't for most mortals)

[@rule3036]

In the winter many of us cycle to work and return home in the dark....hi viz with reflective panels are a must.....they work well making you more visible than rear lights alone.

[@jonnyhewitt4193]

You kind of covered it, but I make sure I’m extra cautious for example going round roundabouts, I’ll slow right down and ensure no one is planning on rushing out in front of me

[@gcn]

Great point Jonny, got to be extra careful at night 👀

[@odin2823]

I almost always ride in the dark (night)- work dictates the time for me (usually around 3 am starts). It is very quiet and relatively human-free but the biggest problem is the numerous animals crossing the road. And in the summer months the temps are tolerable and no sun/sunburn to worry about

[@rangersmith4652]

When night riding, especially when there is no ambient street lighting, don't over speed your lights. If your speed is such that an object comes into your light beam too late for you to effectively avoid it, you need to slow down. This is easy to test by looking ahead and braking hard just as an object -- choose a benign one -- comes into view. If you reach that object before you can stop, you're going too fast. The effect comes into play at a much lower speed than you probably think. Yes, steering around the object is often another option, but if it's a tree fallen across the entire road, swerving isn't an effective alternative.

[@tobyarcher7623]

I commute on a gravel bike using MTB SPDs, being double sided you can buy clip-in pedal reflectors which I use through winter. I have loads of lights running too, but have noticed when driving how well pedal reflectors work - I guess it's the movement.

[@Nick68S]

Of necessity, my commutes on or off road from about September to April) involve either varying degrees of dawn/dusk or complete darkness. Starting in the dark with the sun almost rising is a rather nice way to start the day, starting a nightshift ride at dusk and getting to work in the dark isn't quite as good. Full darkness is alright except for when it's frosty/icy. My front & rear lights cover every eventuality from complete darkness to daylight in the city - and when I review my rear view camera I'm impressed by how far my rear light actually reaches, there's no excuse for a following motorist to claim they didn't see me. I also use a helmet mounted light (at the expense of drag I presume) so I can see wherever I look - handy for establishing eye contact with sleepy motorists. I almost always commute with one of the ProViz backpacks which makes for great passive visibility, as well as having various manufacturer reflective panels on my clothing.

[@GrahamAtDesk]

Hub dynamos are amazing for winter riding, with long nights and dark mornings. Pair them up with the right headlight, and not only do you get a great view of the road ahead, oncoming traffic often gives way. Presumably they think that with such a cracking headlight that you're some kind of motorised vehicle…

[@christophersjaardema9384]

I commute at 2:30 am. I recommend the rear facing radar. it's surprising to me how many cars are driving without headlights on or with just the daytime running lights. I've even been caught off guard by a truck on a back bike path!?! He had no lights on at alm and there was no area lighting. I have no idea why he was there but the radar and my lights alerted me to him and gave me time to clear the path.i also recommend good reflectors on your pedals, shoes or ankles. It makes it much easier to identify you long before any vehicle is close enough for you to notice.

[@christians.ellefsen7442]

Good video! I have just ordered spoke reflexes. Haven`t thought about been visible from the sides before 👍

[@gcn]

Glad we could help 🙌

[@SmurfPerfect]

Always ride in full jet black clothing like these two. nothing better for visibility.

[@OmmerSyssel]

In sunny weather they will be sure staying comfortable warm! Black clothing are so cool 😎

[@XEinstein]

This one time I was riding a short MTB trail here in town, which obviously requires some big lights as there aren't any lights in the park. So there I was with my huge lights, lighting up the trail ahead of me when I saw a couple standing against a tree, doing something secretly and not expecting me coming along that trail with my big lights illuminating them. Haha.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Loved this video! Great content! I love riding in Canadian Winter Dark! Studded tires for ice, but rather than lenses, I find yellow tinted glare proof downhill ski goggles essential for eye protection from windchill/dryeye that comes with descents in sub zero weather. I also use Bontrager Flare R lights that are designed for daytime visibility but have night modulated settings. What are "cheesey chips'? Are they like our Poutine? Love that!

[@gcn]

Sounds like a real adventure! Cheesy chips are fries with cheese melted on top... a real night out delicacy 👌

[@ollieknight45]

I used to cycle home from work around 8pm to 12:30am depending on shift, normally had 2 lights on the front and 1 or 2 on back plus reflective rucksack cover. Front lights were a 1000lumen cheap thing off eBay and a 400lumen FWE, then a 400 lumen Lezyne rear light. I actually found cars tend to give more room and overtake more cautiously; the other hazard is higher instance of drunk drivers about. I'd also recommend taking a power bank in case your lights die so you can give them some power. Cold drains batteries much faster. You can also buy reflective tape to stick on your frame or helmet to make you more visible.

[@gcn]

Great tips Oliver! 🙌

[@SteveKimbo]

I love riding in the dark. I use an Exposure Strada and a BoostR. Nothing better than deserted country lanes, silence and a clear night sky.

[@billbishop2011]

Reflective vest and reflective ankle straps. The straps really stand out as you pedal and make it clear you're a cyclist.

[@gcn]

Lots of people go for reflective straps on moving body parts 🙌

[@damonlouis6536]

helmet mount light is great for seeing the road ahead, best used along side a handle bar mounted light

[@gcn]

Doubling up is always good 🙌

[@Aeysir]

Something from the motorbike world; consider running dual lights on either side of your bars alongside a head torch. An old Honda study indicated that car drivers had a more accurate perception of a bikes speed and position if they had dual lights than a single centre light. It panders to our stereo vision and depth perception thus reduces (doesn't prevent) SMIDSYs. Face it you are mostly invisible even with all the lights and all the hi-vis but, still, every little bit helps.

[@Bellezzasolo]

If you have dual lights though my concern is that it gets confused with a car spacing, thus making you look *a lot* further away

[@ungabunga-dt8bo]

Strap on a headlight to your helmet while night riding - really helps to see in tricky terrain, since even the most powerful front technical lights don't throw light to your sides

[@zedtony8110]

Reflective clothing and reflective accessories on the bike

[@jonathanbouchard39]

I keep a set of Cateye battery lights on my commuter bike for emergencies - I think they don't lose charge like rechargeables, and you can buy new batteries at any convenience store. And they're cheap enough that its no great problem if they get stolen.

[@willmo1725]

Cool note, something to gear up for. November 8th will be a total lunar eclipse. Night rides are great but night eclipse rides are super cool. North america for sure can see, check around though, not sure u can see it in u.k. :(

[@declanfaughey8471]

It is a great way to be seen it to wear a light on a moving part of my body like my ankle.

[@gcn]

Great tip 🙌

[@jameslopez958]

YES! Thanks for sharing this information 😁 Front and Rear light! For Sure 😃

[@PerJennische]

I have day job and small children. Pretty much all the time I have for riding is before sunrise or after sunset. In addition to double back and front lights I have added reflective adhesive tape to the back and outsides of my cycling shoes, back of my helmet and my saddle bag.

[@252Scooby]

& sunset from around 4.40 pm from Sunday

[@yepbriz]

Great tips GCN. I ran into some rider with the headlights is on my eyelevel so I don't know where he is going left or right so I just stop.

[@mileslong9675]

Funny story: years ago (early ‘70s!) my buddy and I rode across the state of Michigan and back. Century rides every day but one. Tech was different back then. I didn’t have a light. My buddy had one of those generator lights on his front fork, the type with a spring holding the drive wheel on the front tire. Anyone remember those? Most of our riding was daytime, but with 35 miles to home we rode on into the night. Friend took the lead since he had the light. I got a flat tire. With no flashlight, he lifted his bike and spun the front wheel to keep light on as I did the tube repair. Primitive times. The good old days.

[@kazhankazhanovych6895]

tires with reflective strips didn't mentioned (if I was attentive enough)

[@andras.89]

My brand new Velotech Ultra 1000lm just arrived this week and I am about to try it out over the weekend on a longer ride :) (I am not going to direct its light in others sight, it will be adjusted to the road and - I dont like when I am blindid by others flashing 100s meters away while approaching)

[@gcn]

Enjoy the long ride. Is that an early morning or riding into the night? 👀

[@andras.89]

@@gcn I am more like Hank, night-owl person :) Sadly, darkness starts around 5pm at least I don't even have to wait too much to try my lights :) Usually I start after a nice but light lunch + coffee, around 2pm over the weekends:)

[@mcann9347]

A good selection of tips there, thank you. Side lights is new to me and I'll be looking out for some of those. I've been cycling at night since the 80's - and the options for us cyclists are so much better now than then. I used to think "small" (750g) lead-acid batteries and halogen bulbs were the bees knees, but then came LEDs and LIon batteries. All the same, the tech can only ever be part of the story for maximising safety (and fun!) at night. My supplemental tips/observations/wishes would be: - please take extra extra care at sunrise and sunset when the sun is low in the sky and behind you; in these conditions even well intentioned road users will find it harder to spot a cyclist than a car - give yourself extra time and space to take evasive action when possible. - consider the alignment of your lights; "being seen" isn't just a matter of blasting copious photons into the eyes of other road users, what's important is giving them as much information as you can about your position, speed and intentions. Assessing a car's position and speed is often easier because cars have pairs of lights (and in some cases a light strip joining the two) - us cyclists will usually have just one, and if it's dazzling it can make it harder for other road users to accurately locate us (a confused road user is a more dangerous road user) - I find using yellow tinted glasses helpful in managing the glare from LED/high intensity lights (those on the blue side of white - both cars and oncoming cyclists) - I have a fab reversible gilet - hi-viz on one side and fully reflective on the other - if I'm cycling through dusk and into the night I can flip it round during the ride - with spoke reflectors give some thought to the balance of your wheel (and for those with an eye on their bike's responsiveness, consider the payoff between locating them near the rim vs near the hub, and how many is enough) - any reflector in your bike is only as good as it is clean - tyres with reflective strips can be great, but not if they are covered in road grime or mud - it's easy for a car to dip its headlights, less so for cyclists (though I did read of a light that has this feature). One solution is to have two front lights - one aimed for long reach down the road, and the other aimed at the 25m or so of road in front of you - have both on but be ready to switch off the long-reach to avoid dazzling oncoming road users (if it's a car and you're dazzling them they'll likely just up their beam and dazzle you - no prizes for guessing who's on the losing end of that exchange!) I have a question; what's it like using a cycle computer in the dark - are the screens lit (always, never, only-when-you-interact-with-it?). Do any have "night vision" mode? Do you have to compromise your night vision if you use one at night?

[@robertkilpin]

I live in the dark cold north (Lancs) and its going to be dark before and after work in winter, so night riding cant be avoided. Another great video from GCN and great tips. Keep up the great work!

[@gcn]

Enjoy the night riding 🙌 Thanks for watching.

[@adventureswithjosie]

We actually enjoy riding along the highway at night because there is very little traffic and you can see cars coming behind or towards you a lot earlier because of their headlights. In Northern Ontario we have to watch out for bears, moose, deer, and maybe even wolves when we ride at night, during the daytime too lol! I bought some reflective stickers that I put on each side of my bike tire rims, and also have a mini slow moving reflective sign on the back rack. All my bike bags have reflective markings. I need to still get a reflective vest though, and some brighter bike lights.

[@OmmerSyssel]

Maybe PETA could upgrade local wildlife with some reflective equipment, sounds a bit irresponsible for you have to deal with 😕

[@mrjack8849]

Surprising to see y'all do a nighttime riding video with one of the biggest no-no's...wearing all black! Several riders in my city have been hit and killed because they were riding home from work wearing dark work attire. They didn't have lights and were riding on a relatively busy street at night. Very unfortunate for them and their families, but wearing bright colors helps reflect more light being shone onto you. If nothing else, wear bright colors just like construction crews wear around the work site. A reflective vest is even better. I usually ride with a reflective belt/sash like in the video. I typically wear a backpack when riding which covers a sash on my back, which is why I wrap another belt around my backpack along with a clip on light hanging off a zipper. I also carry some reflective pant cuffs on my backpack that I can put around my ankles if riding at night (or anytime with pants). Bike lights are a racket with the prices they sell at. I found buying more, but cheaper ones is just as effective as an expensive bright one. Although I understand the need for superbright, long distance lights or riding on back roads where you need to see (and be seen) hundreds of meters ahead. I also like lights requiring batteries. If I am riding at night and the light dies, I always carry a spare set of batteries (along with the multiple lights). If the batteries don't work, I can also go into a store along my route and grab some batteries. With a rechargeable light, once it dies, its done until for several hours until it can recharge. I also wear a regular basic headlamp (not a fancy bike one that attaches to my helmet). It goes right on my forehead underneath the brim of my helmet (which I am sure is frowned on, but I would rather be able to see). My bike mounted lights are mostly to be seen, but the headlamp is more useful for me to see around me as it lights up where I look beyond where my headlight stops. I also use Night-Ize spoke lights. With 2 on each wheel, I look like a Tron light cycle and really can't be missed from the side. I often get looks and "wow"s from kids when riding through neighborhoods. Sometimes I'll even throw some rope lights on the frame. Lastly, I put reflective tape on my bike frame that matches the color of my bike. For the most part, it looks either like regular decal sticker for trim color or it blends into the paint. However at night, it lights up when car lights shine on it. I even put some tape on my bike spokes. With everything on my bike at this point, I usually look like a Christmas tree riding down the street. Nobody is going to be able to blame me by saying "I couldn't see you there". I am actually probably more visible at night than during the day!

[@ThomasNing]

One thing about city (or any road) riding late at night or into the morning is that though it's extremely low traffic, there are still cars - with drivers often fatigued, or driving like there's no one else on the road. Be extremely careful with blind corners, and always be on the lookout for headlights, and listening for tires and exhaust. Even if you're visible, drivers become careless enough not to look at all, or slow down at yields/stop signs.

[@OmmerSyssel]

Well said, had a near miss with an idiot which tiny car had to use the whole road ☠️

[@malgrimm1782]

Reflective gear, for us urbanites. Reflective jackets have become so much more visible these days. I also use yellow lenses at night / in half light.

[@thecoffeeblog]

Very interesting topic that should be revisited soon, specially to talk about light courtesy among cyclists and between cyclists and cars. Car lights are design to point downwards and away from incoming traffic, with a restricted power between 700 lumens for the low beam and 1200 for the high beam. However, bike lights nowadays can reach eye blistering 4000 lumens and cyclists often wear them on top of their helmets or anywhere on their bikes, oblivious wether they are dazzleing cars, pedestrians and other cyclists. Don't be a bully, always point your hedlight downward and never use more than 700 lumens while driving within the city limits and traffic. High power lights would allow you to see farther but people around you blinded by the light beam are definitely going to be pissed and more susceptible to have an accident.

[@AndrewEbling]

Something else to consider in terms of dressing for night riding - as the temperature drops, humidity increases, especially out in the country, which can make it feel colder than it actually is. So dress accordingly.

[@rnor3146]

Hi and many thanks for your fine advices! Have a good continuation.😉👍

[@peterwright4921]

Those orange side lights look good. It can't be just me that fears the dawn and dusk rush hour commutes most. The shots of the 2 of you against the light sky illustrate my concerns well. Even good lights on full brightness don't stand out as well against the background as when it gets a bit darker (Those treetop lighting 5 bulb trail lights always get noticed though). I find myself turning the lights down a couple of settings as I leave the lights of town and heave up the hill towards home, i have to concede I've no need for bright lights at my snail pace on those back lanes.

[@xtrailz]

Blinking lights are essential. Pedestrians and motorists just don't notice steady lights among all the other street lights and illuminations at night.

[@Scattenlaeufer]

Fun fact about blinking lights in Germany: They only aren't allowed when they are fixed to the bike. So if you want to drive with a blinking red light, just make sure it's fixed to your clothes or helmet and you are good to go and better visible.

[@gcn]

Is that a hack or bodge? 👀

[@miroslawkobus1491]

Reflectors. On spokes, front and rear (or at least reflective tape, on yourself.... A lot of people I know whine that it ruins a bike's aesthetics, but safety is obviously more important than such a conceit. In addition to reflective kit, I have a handy reflective snap band (remember those, 90's kids?) I wear on my traffic facing ankle - more visible than pedal reflectors.

[@toozydude2]

I was ridding some good ol night base and the furtherest point from home, my front light died. Used my back light as a front light to ride 20km home! (good that it was mostly on lit separate cycle lanes...) Tip: bring a backup light for exactly this... and test how long your main light actually lasts and make sure you put it on the right brightness level...

[@gcn]

Eeeeek! Hope you got home safe! You live and learn. 🙌

[@brannmacfinnchad9056]

I feel you Manon; I had a moose encounter on my commute last night (no problems, it was just munching away, but I couldn't see Momma moose), and after that I got jumpy with odd noises. Turns out it was my beardcicles brushing my jacket... 😅

[@quijadriss7650]

I am decked out in all hi-vis, flashing lights and a bt speaker blaring the beats. Like a rave on wheels. If anyone hits me it's not because the didn't see me, but because I caused them to have a seizure.

[@AlbertBuckinghamEllison]

I ride a weekly evening chaingang in Winchester where about 20+ turn up. We ride in the pitch black with a fast, tight group. It really is a sight to be seen in the dark with that mass of solid lights on!

[@gcn]

Sounds like great fun! Would love to see it 🙌

[@jamesturner1311]

Venta?

[@AlbertBuckinghamEllison]

@@gcn Summer ride, but same bunch! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5nGf4Rpott6idE

[@Steve-cp8ye]

Didn't mention a pet peeve of mine: if you're using a front light to see where you're going aim it down so it lights up your path. DON'T aim it horizontally or up. You don't need to light the world up 500m ahead. It'll still work as a light to be seen by. Can't tell you how many times I've been blinded by the 1000 lumen light of a cyclist approaching from the opposite direction. One late night ride a whole group of riders who all had the same super-bright headlamps rode towards me. Each of them looked my way as they passed. Got so blinded that I went off the path. Thankfully into grass.

[@yogipony9016]

Be in a body position more able to absorb shock from potholes, debris, cracks. Slow down if the light is not bright/ focused enough.

[@jamesbell5977]

As other people have said - don't forget to charge your lights. I keep my charger by where I store my bike to remind me to charge it when I get home from work (and to remind me to put the light back on the bike in the morning!).

[@gcn]

Great point! 🔋

[@Bellezzasolo]

*laughs in dynamo*

[@willmo1725]

Lights are a bright idea. I use cat eye light on front and a good flasher on the back same brand. I have a weak back up though. Remember to charge the night before. Also during the short light hours of fall winter, bring your lights with you. You cant out rude the sun. Its fun though night riding some how easyer.

[@gcn]

Great point about charging! and taking some spare lights, you never know when you might need them 🙌

[@heidijarvis777]

I always do shorter rides after work during winter and always on roads with street lighting, I also have the Altura Electron jacket with built in lights. We had a badger run out on us on a night ride, front rider nearly needed a change of bib shorts 😂

[@gcn]

Hahaha, there is a whole new world of fun riding in the dark 🤣

[@hubertdeferaudy5412]

thanks Manon and Connor! great tips and thanks to help us ;)

[@gcn]

No worries, we love sharing the cycling love 🙌

[@xen423]

I was hit Oct 6 at night by a motorist, wasn't as bad as it could have been and I'm ok. Had lights, red bike, red helmet. Was making a left turn from being stationary in a median.

[@gcn]

Hope you're ok now! Do you still ride at night? 🔎

[@xen423]

@@gcn Yes for work commute I must. I just stay away from being caught in a turn now tho.

[@gcn]

@@xen423 Stay safe 🙌

[@MisterAndyS]

If I go downtown for a drink, my best route home is uphill through a large cemetery. That's an invigorating night ride I've done lots of times!

[@gcn]

Sounds great! Very halloween themed 👻

[@NeoPayneHK]

nice to see conor got a new bike with new groupset!

[@warwickpadmore4644]

“Watch out for black ice,” Manon warns lol. It’s called black ice because you can’t see it - until you can feel it. No thank you! I’d prefer not to do my Wile E. Coyote-on-a-severed-precipice imitation on 28mm tires. As always, practical and entertaining content. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@timboth991]

I did have a giggle at Manon's comment of 'be bright be seen' as later on both presenters are riding at night... all in black... making them hard to see not only on the video but also on the road. The opportunity for the GCN shop to start stocking hi-vis night clothing has just opened up.

[@bittiapina]

Here in Finland we also have to keep in mind that there might be some moose and such walking about especially during dawn and dusk so like, that's a thing lol. So, good lights are essential for sure.

[@gcn]

Wow sounds epic... We have just badgers to out for 🔦

[@symonaldinhop3923]

The animals you gotta watch out for! Fractured my spine in 2 places hitting a fox at 30mph+ going down hill.... 2 years later I'm back cycling and taking it easy on the downhill. 👍😎

[@alexanderh2715]

Almost destroyed myself 2 weeks ago when riding a bit too fast at night because I did not see the bike lane I switched on to was slightly elevated. Almost flew into some metal poles at 30 km/h. I am very glad I rode my bike quite a bit and was able to catch that but that was very very scary. Now I think about getting a second front light.

[@gcn]

Oooo sorry to hear that! Hope you are all good now. Stay safe 🙌

[@alexanderh2715]

@@gcn yes. It was just super scary and I need more light :D

[@mikewade777]

I always find a bike light is ideal, especially when there's no streetlights... Sadly a lot of cyclists i meet seem to think that just reflective stickers and a boom box is all thats needed. Most cyclists i have the misfortune of near colliding with are ninjas.

[@mdtwigg75]

Consider wider tyres. It’s much harder to spot road imperfections on damp dark roads. Getting a puncture is so much more likely on your summer “skinny” tyres. So put in as wide as your bike will allow

[@harveylee2018]

Helmet lights are very useful as they will follow your eyes around a bend and essential for fixing a mechanical in the dark, leaving your hands free.

[@ElectricEndurance]

I find in Texas I need 800 lumens at a minimum to see the road, 1200 is the sweet spot. I also use reflective vest and 2 rear lights, one steady and one blinking.

[@gcn]

Nice set up! 🙌

[@inz_uzi]

Manon's ooooo is spine-tingling!

[@stephenzaragoza]

Great info ,keep it up👍

[@valdoimpalatorez]

Ride in the dark during winter. At one such trip, white owl decided to check if that blinky red light was something to eat. Find out that a boar is a bit much to handle and flew away :D

[@alexandersnider734]

0:23 thanks Manon for the spooks

[@Mavrik-60]

Love to ride at night. I've found some rodes aren't suited for night riding(to dangerous) so I rout around them. Hear it gets real hot in the summer time so night riding is the best time.

[@AndrewEbling]

Pro tip for Londoners - Richmond Park is amazing after dark when the road gates shut. I've seen badgers, owls etc. Just watch out for deer straying onto the road and dress warm - can be as much as 5C colder than elsewhere in London. Oh and avoid the deer culling sessions, obvsly. 😂

[@gcn]

Good to know! Sounds like a great city escape 🙌

[@alexanderdiaz8475]

What lights do you use? I need some bright recommendations please 😃

[@staceyaustin6905]

Thank you! I ride in the dark bicycle commuting to work.

[@gcn]

that's great, do you enjoy it? 👀