Staying off of the Los Angeles streets as a bicycle rider after dark isn’t necessarily a realistic practice. People who ride bicycles as a primary form of transportation don’t typically get to choose when they ride. They hop on their bikes when they need to run errands or visit a family member.
Even those who ride recreationally may want to be out on the road after dark. After the sun sets, harsh summer temperatures can be more manageable for those trying to maintain their health through physical exercise. Technically, cyclists have every right to be out on the road at night just like anyone else. Unfortunately, they are at increased risk of serious incidents after the sun sets.
Drivers are less likely to look for cyclists at nighttime. Even if they do, they may have a difficult time spotting cyclists unless those cyclists take specific steps to prioritize their visibility. How can cyclists enhance their safety when riding on the road in dark conditions?
Headlights and other illuminated gear
There are rechargeable bicycle light systems with bright LEDs that people can plug in to charge. There are battery-operated systems available. Some people even purchase kinetically-powered bicycle lights that derive power from the bicycle’s movement.
Lights mounted on the rear and front of the bicycle can draw the attention of approaching drivers. Some cyclists even wear headlamps attached to their helmets as a means of making themselves visible and illuminating the street ahead of them to check for obstacles and debris.
Reflectors and specialized clothing
There are several types of reflectors that can enhance visibility at night. Red reflectors can be visible from as far as 500 feet away when properly placed on the back of a helmet or the rear of a bicycle. The headlights of a car can illuminate those reflectors and give drivers plenty of time to respond.
White or yellow reflectors can enhance visibility from as far as 200 feet away. Many safety experts advise placing white and yellow reflectors on the sides of pedals, on shoes and on the sides of bicycle helmets for optimal safety.
Riders may also want to wear brightly-colored clothing that may have reflective strips built in. Those strips can catch the light from headlights or streetlights and draw the attention of motorists in traffic.
Pretending to be invisible
As a final safety tip for nighttime cycling, cyclists may want to pretend that no one notices them. They may want to yield the right of way at an intersection, stay as far to the right as possible and prioritize well-lit streets for their own protection. Unfortunately, even when cyclists go to great lengths to keep themselves safe, they are largely at the mercy of other people in traffic.
Riders hurt in preventable bicycling collisions may need assistance negotiating insurance claims or preparing for personal injury litigation. Establishing that a cyclist consistently took steps to ensure their safety may strengthen a compensation claim after an incident leaves them injured.
