Bike Safety - riding at night or alone on trails

[turbojackie]

I once got stuck finishing a ride on a trail in the dark. I wasn't alone, but I admit I was spooked. It was very hard to see, because most trails are not light. I also came upon a jogger, totally dressed in black (not smart!) and we just missed a collision!

So, if you can ride on roads safely, try that. But, please, avoid the trails in the dark. Also, I have heard of people stringing a rope across the trail to make you fall and then they can do horrible things to you. Paranoid, maybe a little bit. But it is better to be safe than sorry.

[OakLeaf]

Also, I have heard of people stringing a rope across the trail to make you fall

Monofilament and thin wire are just as invisible during the daytime as they are as night. Every time I've heard of that happening, the people who've gotten hurt have been riding in the daytime. It's a valid concern - yes, a little bit paranoid, but some people are just vicious - but it's more like a fear of having things thrown at you while road riding. Or of being shot at. It's really not a day/night thing.

I think it's more likely to be directed against moto trails than bici trails too, at least I've heard of it happening more often on moto trails.

[indysteel]

While I know plenty of people who don't respect this rule, our local MUT "closes" at night. No one is supposed to be on it. The OP should verify whether her local trails have a similar restriction.