Bums On Bikes  Riding at Night

Riding at Night

Children and Night Riding

Ultimately it is the parents’ responsibility to decide at what age a child should be allowed out riding at night but if you at a complete loss, the Kidsafe program recommend that under the age of 10, children should be accompanied by an adult if they are out at night.

If you are taking your child out at night make sure they have talked about safe cycling practices before you leave and light them up like a Christmas tree!

Be Visible

Riding at night can be just as enjoyable as riding during daylight; it just requires a few adjustments and considerations.

Lights are Essential When Riding after Dark

Visibility is the key word and the more a rider can do to be clearly seen the better.

• Wearing light-coloured clothing is a good idea. Better still are garments that have reflective panels.
• Refection vests provide additional visibility and can be easily slipped over your ordinary clothing.
• You must have lights fitted to a bike being ridden after dark, even if you are only using paths. It sounds obvious, but too many cyclists ignore this fact.
• By law you must have an unbroken white light at the front and an unbroken or flashing red light at the rear, both of which must be visible for at least 200 metres.
• A flashing white light can be used as an addition on the front, but the main light must be unbroken. If you intend riding on the road at night, it is recommended that you fit two separate lights at the front. One light can be used to illuminate the ground ahead and the other aimed at the eye level of car drivers to maximise your chances of being seen.
• All lights must be fitted so their centre is at least 33 cm above ground level.
• Reflectors attached to your wheels, pedals, seatpole and handlebars will provide additional visibility and safety.
• Attaching reflective tape or stickers to clothing, helmet, backpacks and cargo will increase your visibility even more.

Click Here if you would like to look at our range of lights

Riding at night means riding defensively

• Keep a close eye out for joggers, walkers, other cyclists and vehicles.
• A good tip is to watch your shadow when being approached from behind by a car. If your shadow does not start to move to the left as the car approaches, quickly move your bike to the left.