koi88/iStockphoto
READ MORE ABOUT:
There are a lot of great ideas out there for how to light up your bike in order to keep safe while driving in low-light situations. Collected here are ideas for lights to add to your bike, modifications to your bike for better visibility, and clothing and wearables to make you visible as a rider.
Bike Lights
Pedalite is a favorite around here because they produce renewably powered bike light accessories. Their pedal lights are powered by kinetic energy, so you never need to worry about batteries running down. Reelight is also a great way to use electromagnetic induction and LED lights to brighten your bike. If you want to go solar, you can DIY it by modifying a solar walkway light.
If you want to really set up your bike with a light system, check out Bicygnals. It's a whole LED lighting system, including turn signals.
And if you want to be sure to have a designated bike lane wherever you travel, try the light that projects lane lines right onto the road. Alex Tee and Evan Gant of Altitude invented the Light Lane so cyclists have a wider safety margin when pedaling the roads at night.
Clothing:
Pedalite's solar-powered Ankleite uses clean energy to power up a light that straps on to your leg for greater visibility while riding, or even walking at night. The company also has a solar-powered bag light that hooks over your backpack, providing lighting on your chest and back so drivers can see you clearly.
Protecting your head both with a hard surface and bright lighting is important. Instructables has a great tutorial on making a super-flashy helmet with LED lights. You can also try adding reflective tape to your helmet for a solution that doesn't need power at all.
Safety vests are a great way to get noticed, especially versions with flashing LED lights. Of course, if you want to be a little more stylish, as well as let drivers know which way you're headed, you can always make your own turn signal jacket.
Bike Modifications:
If you really want to make an impression, you can always modify the bike itself. For a splashy look, you could take your cue from the MonkeyLectric LED Light System, or tone it down by simply wrapping your bike in reflective tape. If you want to maintain a sleeker look, try retroflective vinyl. This kind of material makes your bike look low key by day, and flashy by night.
For more Great Bike Ideas:
Grab A Green Bike Light
Pimp Your Bike Helmet
6 Tips to Make Your Bicycle an Errand-Making Machine
Commute to Work by Bike
How Bike Racks Work
-
- {}
