Top rules for riding in the dark

Lights

Lights are the main way you will be seen on the roads at night so don’t skimp on the cost. Get the brightest lights you can afford and do your research before buying them. Also I would highly recommend having a small backup light for when the batteries run out on your main lights these could be a life saver.

Reflectors

As a good addition to your lights, reflectors will offer additional safety. Many companies have reflectors on their clothing as standard now, but extra reflective bands put around your ankles and arms help with cars coming at you from side-roads and junctions.

Think ahead

Riding in the dark can be extremely stressful if you don’t take control of yourself. Always be aware of what’s going on in front of you, take notice of vehicle that may turn in front of you. Always act in the worst case scenario, so if a car is waiting to turn in front of you react earlier and slow down as if the worst case scenario has actually happen and the car has turned. This might just save you from a serious accident one day.

Research routes

If you are using a certain route for training or your commute into work then have a look at it during the day and work out where all the potholes and other potential hazards are. This could save you puncturing on your way home after work or on a training session so it’s a really good idea to do this.

Be Prepared

Having everything to hand is a good thing, bike lock, puncture repair kit, tyre levers and a pump are all essentials to carry around and aren't that expensive (take a phone with you as well). Top time saving tip is to take an extra inner tube with you so that when you do get a puncture you don't have to spend loads of time at the side of the road repairing it. Just remember to check that whatever you punctured on in the first place isn't still in the tyre.

Less street lights, more visual

This might seem a bit unusual but the less street light you have the more visual you become. This may seem a bit unusual but it’s true and if you think about it, if you were on a dark country road with a dark background a red light flashing away, stands out like a sore thumb!