Cycling at night: our tips
Sometimes we have to ride at night, but can be also nice and a great experience. Cycling at night can also be risky if you are not well equipped, so to ensure safety on the road at night there are some essential accessories to have.
Lights
The first tip is to have lights, both to see the route you are approaching and to be seen by other users. The white front light should at least be 100 lumens which is the minimum to be visible, if you are traveling on dimly lit roads, a 500 lumen light is recommended. A red rear light is mandatory; modern lights offer steady or flashing modes.
Clothing also has its importance, so when cycling in the dark it is best to adopt reflective clothing, such as a vest or jacket with reflective bands, or reflective elastic bands useful for forearms, ankles and waist.
Another tool you can equip yourself with is a helmet with lights, which is also useful during the day for routes that include tunnel sections. Some helmets are equipped with LED rear lights and, in some cases, front lights as well.
Additional accessories can be reflective bracelets and anklets that increase side visibility; backpacks and pedals with reflective inserts, an additional safety feature to be seen from all angles.
There are also saddlebags with light signals, some of which have a remote control that can send light signals to warn those behind when you are turning left or right, if you are slowing down or braking.
There are beacons that can be applied anywhere: there are ones for handlebars or bicycle spokes.
Clothing
Cycling at night often means lower temperatures, so it is best to dress in layers and perhaps use thermal clothing; yes also to gloves and warm shoes.
Routes at night
In addition to visiting the art cities that have a magical atmosphere at night, you can perhaps try the bike paths along our coast that are always full of lights. And if you want to do it “in a group” there are the itineraries proposed in the “Bike night” events in Ferrara, Milan, Verona, Udine and Bolzano.
