Navigating darkness and monsters – how to stay safe when you cycle at night

Volunteer Cycle Ride Leader Janet Kerr shares some top tips for safe cycling at night.

A new experience in Granada

Cycling in the pitch dark can feel like an adventure and a nightmare rolled into one. My first experience riding in the dark – I’ll rephrase that, ‘PITCH’ dark was on a women’s bike packing holiday in in 2019 in Granada , arranged by the Adventure Syndicate.

This was a trip that I was ill equipped for, predominantly because everyone was on a mountain bike, except me! I was fairly new to cycling; taking it up in 2018/2019 to combat the mental and physical symptoms of a neurological condition. Riding in the dark sent my kamikaze brain cells into a frenzy until one of the organisers offered me a light.

The importance of good lighting

Upon switching the light on, my night turned into day. I could actually see the road, from one side to the other and beyond. Who knew technology could bring such a smile to my previously panic-stricken face. It made me realise there is a significant difference between what you want to use a light for: ‘to be seen’ or ‘to see.’

Lessons learned

I’ve always been a believer in ‘mean to be seen’. Bright colours and fluorescent clothing have always been part of my cycling attire. Nowadays, I also ride with my front and back lights on, just to create an extra layer of visibility.

We’re now a one car family so my bike is not only a form of leisure but it is also, sometimes, my mode of transport.

Due to breaking my front light at the start of summer I’ve been using one of my old pitiful relics. Occasionally, reminding myself that I must buy a new light!

I hate having to take the car to my weekly yoga class as I have to go ‘all’ the way around, passing through a few towns. When I’m on my bike, I can cut through the local country park which is sometimes quicker, depending on how many dog clapping stops I encounter.

A few weeks ago, I underestimated how quickly darkness descends. I thought I could race daylight but failed miserably. I got halfway through the country park. My heart raced as I navigated the pothole-infested road, each bump a reminder of how unprepared I was for the impending darkness.

My eyeballs blinked rapidly – searching to differentiate between black and blacker (blacker indicating a possible pothole). The light that trickled out of my relic was pitiful and couldn’t power a gnat’s torch. Somehow, I made it through to the bright lights of civilization.

Heading home, I decided to take the long way round, comforted by the street lights of the towns I passed through; most of it on lovely new cycle paths. Unfortunately, there are a couple of stretches that are unlit. So again I was engulfed in darkness, fear and panic. However, I am at least grateful for what little light I had to manage to spot the monster!

My tips for safe night riding

Lights, lights and more lights: Seek recommendations. Remember, the difference between ‘be seen’ and ‘to see’. I use the flash function during the day and the steady function at night.

Reflective, fluorescent clothing at night helps drivers to see you. Consider wearing bright clothing during the day too.

Wear a well fitting helmet. Did you know they can go out of date? Also, if it has been dropped, this could affect the integrity of the protective structure. Consider replacing your helmet regularly.

Make sure your bike is roadworthy and well maintained.

Choose public routes and cycle paths.

If you go out for a purposeful nighttime ride – go with a cycling buddy and enjoy the adventure together.

Janet Kerr, Volunteer Cycle Ride Leader