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Nighttime riding

10/29/2015

10 Comments

 
It's that time of year, again! I don't usually get to go out at night when the kids are around but we've started evening swim lessons for the boys so by the time we head home, it's dark. It's hard to get back into the habit of remembering all our lights and nighttime gear but we're working on it. 
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All our reflectives really show up at night: DOT stickers, Carsick panniers, Ikea safety vests, Schwalbe sidewalls, and more! I just ordered a set of Busch and Meuller lights from Germany (and five mounts so they can be swapped onto every bike in the fleet) so that we have another set of rechargeable, reliable lights. I use Superflash rear lights from Bike Planet which have lasted for quite awhile and hold up really well. I've only had to change the battery on them a few times in the past 2-3 years. Oddly enough, the newest one I got loses its charge quicker than the old one I have. I need to add our Monkey Light to the HaulaDay since we removed it from the Bullitt before we shipped it south. 

Night is my favorite time to ride. It's so quiet and peaceful, and usually easier to see cars around. I like the slower pace. I think it's the best way to end a day. 

Anything else you add for riding in the dark? I have to admit that I do hate the strobe-y headlamps many riders use (especially when they're on the trail and aimed at my eyeballs!) but I'm a huge fan of cheerful holiday lights and bobbles. 
10 Comments
Seth
10/30/2015 05:56:32 am

I've invested in a dynamo hub and it is well worth the money. No futzing with batteries and I run my lights day and night which keeps us that much more visible. Peter White Cycles is a great lighting resource. I do run a red slow fade "blinky" battery light attached to the back of my helmet when on busier roads.

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Elle
11/1/2015 07:01:24 pm

I just ordered a set that Peter White sells. I would love dynamo lights, I'm always surprised at how bright they are, even in daylight.

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Melissa | HerGreenLife link
10/30/2015 07:25:52 am

Good to know on Ikea being a source for reflective vests -- we just got a store here!

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Ele
11/1/2015 07:00:36 pm

I think they're about $3 each, adult sizes, too.

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Gorik
11/2/2015 01:14:33 am

I have also installed those reflective spoke covers on my girlfriend's bike. They realy make your bike visible from the side!

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Julie
11/3/2015 11:46:50 am

Hi there! I am new to the Cargo Bike world and am trying to get my bearing but so far I'm loving it! I'm slowly trying to get gear for my bike to help with hauling around the kiddos. Would you please let me know what kind of hoop you've got around the back for the kids to hang onto? I don't think I've seen something like that yet!

Thank you!

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Elle
11/4/2015 08:32:08 pm

Welcome to the wonderful world of cargo biking! It's lovely here :) The hoop on the back of my bike is designed for the Bike Friday HaulaDay that we have, called a Whoopie-Deux. There are a variety of similar designs for different bikes, Yuba makes one, Xtracycle was probably the originator with the Hooptie. Some people are skilled enough to make something similar out of PVC piping or by using ape hanger handlebars to partially enclose their kids in the back and make handspace for multiples. What kind of bike do you have?

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David Robarts
11/6/2015 04:19:40 pm

I'm guilty of riding with a flashing headlight, but only for extra visibilty on roads during twilight. For actual nighttime riding or on a trail I switch it to solid on.

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Roza
11/10/2015 12:44:05 pm

I hate the blinkie lights. Especially since last year when a salmon sidewalk rider coming towards me had them on. I have been known to use them when I can't remember when I recharged my batteries and I am trying to conserve batteries.

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Lisa link
11/23/2015 08:12:06 am

I do love riding at night time. Though safety is obviously a legitimate concern, it's great that it seems like you've got it covered. Stay safe, and have fun cycling!

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