A shining example: choosing bike lights for your commute

Big ones, small ones, flashing ones and dynamos. There’s a dazzling array of lights available to help show you the way on your bike. So which one should you spend your hard-earned money on?

First of all, the important thing to remember is that when on your bike, at night, you must use lights – it’s the law. On the front you need a white one and on the back, a red one. You’re also required to have some rear and pedal reflectors.

Ok, now we’ve convinced you to get a set of bike lights, it’s time to decide what type:

LED Battery

The cheapest, most convenient and effective lights are typically powered by LED units. Among their plentiful charms is a long life, a bold beam and ease of use – they can usually be clipped on and off in just a few seconds. Some even boast multiple settings such as flashing and steady beams, so they really are a versatile bit of kit!

High Powered Lighting

These bobby dazzlers arrived on the scene through the demands of 24-hour mountain bike races, who needed something with a little more punch to illuminate the rocky path ahead. Since then they’ve been adopted by cyclists seeking a high-powered LED and long battery life for their daily commute, and sitting at the top end of the lighting spectrum (excuse the pun), they’re a more expensive alternative to the standard LED.

Dynamo

The dynamo is, undoubtedly, a triumph of pedal-power. The idea is simple – you move the pedals round and round, the resistance of the dynamo’s friction on the tyre wall generates electricity to power your lights. These can also be built into the front wheel. A big plus of this battery-free lighting is that you’ll never run out of juice mid-ride!

Other things to think about...

• Brightness – the brighter your lights, the more likely you are to be seen by other road users.
• Batteries – unless you opt for a dynamo, make sure you have a spare set in case you run out halfway through a commute. 
• Weight – a bulky, heavy light can turn an otherwise nippy bike into an altogether more cumbersome offering! 

You can find out more about all lighting systems here and get money off at some suppliers by becoming a British Cycling member.


Also worth a read:

Get into...cycling at night
Not just hi-viz – tips for making yourself visible