Night Lights for Bicycling

[ny biker]

Well, a helmet light illuminates the area you're looking at. A headlight on the handlebars illuminates the area in front of the bike.

Also, there are two general categories of headlights -- the ones that are bright enough to really light your way, and the ones that are less bright but suited to making you visible to others.

I don't do lots of riding after dark, so I use two "make me visible" headlights and two taillights. The main headlight is on the handlebars and the main taillight is attached to my seat bag. In addition, I have small white and red lights on my helmet.

My main headlight is a Bontrager Ion 2 and it's very bright for the price ($40.00) -- bright enough to get me home on a dark rail-trail.

http://bontrager.com/model/08918

But if I was riding regularly in the dark, such as commuting, I would invest in a brighter light, the kind that is enough to really light your way. As for specific models, I can't recommend any, but I'm sure others can name some good ones.

p.s. this is the main taillight I use. It's a good light.

http://bontrager.com/model/08921

You should also consider wearing reflective stuff for added visibility. I like these ankle bands so much I'm asking for the wrist bands for Christmas.

http://www.roadid.com/Common/LearnMore.aspx?PID=10

I'm also probably going to ask for the Nathan reflective cycling vest that TeamEstrogen recently started selling.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodNN_2039N.html