How to Ride Your Bike Safely at Night

It's not easy being green. Riding a bicycle instead of driving is great for the ozone layer and the air we breathe, but there are some avoidable hazards that even adult riders fail to consider. Stay Safe and Be Seen when riding your bike!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• a copy of the Motor Vehicle Laws of your state

Learn and Obey the Rules of the Road

1. Whether you use the telephone book or the internet, find out where to obtain a copy of the motor vehicle laws for your state. Bicyclists are expected to obey the same rules of the road as any other motor vehicle, with a few differences to account for the capabilities of the bicycle and its rider. Use your computer to find the laws for your state, or use your local telephone directory to find the office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for your state to obtain a hard copy.
2. Examine your bicycle. Does it have all of the equipment you need in order to ride safely? Most states require that underage bicyclists not ride after dark. For older bicyclists, the need to see and be seen is vital. Wear Light colored or white clothing, using reflective tape if necessary for maximum visibility. Make sure you have a white headlight and red taillight or reflector visible from at least 500 feet. Pedals should have amber reflectors for additional visibility.
3. When riding at night, pay attention. If headlights approaching from behind cause your shadow to move to your right, then the vehicle behind you is trying to pass you. Stay as far to the right as you can without jeopardizing your own safety and allow the vehicle to pass.
4. If your shadow remains straight ahead as a vehicle approaches, the driver is headed right for you and probably has not yet seen you. Despite the fact that you have as much right to the road as the approaching vehicle, common sense should prevail. Get out of the way! It won't matter who had the right of way when you are in your coffin.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a copy of the Motor Vehicle Laws of your state. Learn and obey them.
• Wear light colored or white clothing, or use reflective tape for maximum visibility.
• Have a white headlight and a red taillight or reflector visible from at least 500 feet.
• Use amber reflectors on pedals to maximize your visibility.
• Tape money for a phone call to the frame of your bike so that you can call for a ride if you are caught out after dark.
• It won't matter who had the right of way if you are killed in an accident.
• Use common sense and get out of the way if your shadow in the headlights of the vehicle behind you is straight ahead of you.
• Children should never ride after dark.