Bicycle Lights
There are two major types of bicycle lights: a white, forward-facing headlight and a red, rear-facing taillight, both serving two major functions. The first is so the bicycle rider can see. The second is so the rider can be seen, particularly by motorists. Most new headlights and taillights are made with high intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs) because of their minimal power consumption and light output comparable to halogen.
In most municipalities, both headlights and taillights are required accessories on bicycles being ridden at dusk, dark and sunrise. Even if there is no ordinance or law requiring a set of lights, it behooves a rider to install and use them during these times for their own safety. I’m not about to review particular models or brands, but to discuss choosing lights with safety, benefits and quality in mind. Here are some top Brands: Ascent, Axiom, Bell, Blackburn, CatEye, CygoLight, Knog, Light & Motion, Mars, NiteRider, Princeton Tec, Vetta, ViewPoint, Zefal.
Things to consider for both headlights and taillights:
Constant and Flashing Modes: For headlights, consider one with both constant and flashing modes and a way to easily and safely switch between between the two while riding. Constant mode is ideal for dark areas, particularly where there are no street lamps or other sources of constant illumination on the riding surface. Flashing mode helps the rider stand out in areas where a constant light would otherwise blend in with surroundings such as street lamps, motor vehicle headlights and traffic lights. For taillights, a flashing light is safest to help the rider stand out among other red lights such as motor vehicle taillights. Most taillights come preprogrammed with multiple flashing modes as well as a constant mode.
Clips and Brackets: The quality of plastic is important, particularly in colder weather when plastic becomes more brittle. This can cause the clip or bracket to break if bumped or jostled too hard. Pliable, more rubber-like plastics will be less brittle in colder temperatures than hard plastics. Headlight brackets should allow some side-to-side movement of the light so the rider can adjust it to see as needed. Many taillights come with a bracket to attach to a bicycle seat post and have clips built into the light to use on the bracket, bicycle seat bags, clothing, etc. Also, be sure the clip will secure the light to whatever it is clipped. A rider who loses or breaks a taillight risks their safety when riding among motor vehicles. Also, consider buying from a manufacturer that makes new clips and brackets easy to purchase.
Side Illumination: Purchase a headlight and taillight that also have illuminated lenses on both sides of the light. This will help a rider to be more visible to motorists beside or perpendicular to the bike. Headlights will be white. Taillights will be red or amber.
Multiple Lights: A headlight attached to the handlebar is good for dedicated front illumination and side visibility, but consider also using a helmet light which will follow the rider’s head movement and help them see where they are looking. Having a high- and low-mounted headlight also increases a rider’s visibility to motorists. It also increases visibility to have a high- and low-mounted flashing taillight.
Battery: One major type of headlights use a rechargeable battery pack. The other type uses standard one-time use alkaline or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries such as AA and AAA. Lights with rechargeable battery packs generally are heavier, more expensive, and come in three parts — light pod, battery pack, and power cables to connect the two. They do, however, tend to output more light than their counterpart. If choosing a system with a battery pack, it is suggested to purchase an extra battery pack to use while the other is charging. Taillights generally run on AA or AAA batteries.