If you like to bike as much as I do and you depend on it you probably also bike at night. In many cases it is more enjoyable and safer, but often it is labeled as dangerous and perhaps even risky.
So if you bike at night, it usually is around a definite schedule, where as day time biking can meet the demands of all types of bikers. In the night, you tend to have more specific locations where we are going. It requires more planned precision that day riding. You must be aware of your surroundings even more. You can’t deviate too much from your path due to sheer darkness. So to be an effective nightrider, one must be prepared with effective lighting, appropriate clothing, and a higher awareness.
When you ride during the day, your list is shorter, but at night it becomes an art form to properly prepare for a cold night ride. The event requires great lighting for the front rear and sides if you want to be lit up by all vehicular traffic. The saying goes, “Have a headlight to satisfy the law, but have a taillight to save your life”.
You can buy lit up spokes, and pedals so really there is no limit to how you can light up a city block. The trick becomes being careful and recognizing you are lit up, but not everybody else is. Pedestrians often don’t think about their own safety with lights and are out in dark clothes from work or otherwise. If you ride at night, you already know how many people still ride bikes with out any lighting. It is very easy to obtain lighting that might save your life.
When you ride at night, outside of warmer months, good clothing can make riding pleasurable year round. I like to ride with a basket or a backpack because how easy it is to transport items. If you have gloves, ear coverage and other exposed skin is covered if needed than year round riding is easy.
I believe riding at night can just be so peaceful, but it has its full share of surprises such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, deer, cats and dogs. The animals that I have encountered are as surprised as me especially if your bike is tuned up and you are as silent as they are! You really need to remember others like to be out here too, so take your time and enjoy your ride.
If you are well lit and comfortable you won’t surprise people, bikes, cars, or animals. You should be a lucky person if you have found safe routes and feel comfortable riding in your community at night. As an individual you can only do so much, as a resident of your community, get involved with the city transportation themes and get your two cents in, especially if you want to have safe bike rides.
