Reflections on my first darkness “commute”

[GulfCoastAmy]

I ADORE riding in the dark/wee morning hours! Much less traffic in my area, which is key for me. My setup:

- 2 headlights - these are cheapy Scwinn's but work great as long as I'm diligent about keeping fresh batteries in them
- 2 tailights (one flashing, one static)
- 1 firefly on my camelback
- 1 firefly attached to each wheel (zip tied to the spokes)
- reflective tape on my helmet and bike
- reflective ankle straps

Riding in the dark makes me feel SAFE. With my rearview mirror I can see cars/headlights way earlier than I can in daylight. Barely any traffic means I can be seen by cars WAY in advance as well. It's also rare that I would have cars passing me in both directions at once. This means cars coming up behind me usually pass all the way into the other lane which is really nice. Some people think I'm crazy when I say I'd rather ride in the dark, but I love it! If I'm not on the road by 4 or 5am, I don't go.

ETA: The silence of darkness is also great. I love being able to hear a car coming before I even see headlights.