My high school girlfriend lived a bike ride away from my house (and I didn't have any other form of transport, such as a car or a bus route, available at that time). Her parents would allow me to...
My high school girlfriend lived a bike ride away from my house (and I didn't have any other form of transport, such as a car or a bus route, available at that time).
Her parents would allow me to spend time at her house, but I couldn't spend the night, and had to leave by 11pm.
I have lots of fond memories of bicycling through that small town late at night when all the roads were empty. One time I saw the Northern Lights (this was in the Pacific Northwest, where such a thing is quite rare, but not completely unheard of) for the first, and so far only, time of my life.
Any advice for biking at night? I live in the PNW as well, but I would be a little scared to bike in the night, especially given the recent violence against Asians. I would definitely get a...
Any advice for biking at night? I live in the PNW as well, but I would be a little scared to bike in the night, especially given the recent violence against Asians. I would definitely get a headlight, but is there anything else you would recommend?
A headlight is good, so is a retroflective vest so that you stand out if a light shines on you. The goal is to be seen, as it's way more dangerous for a driver to not see you at all than to see...
A headlight is good, so is a retroflective vest so that you stand out if a light shines on you. The goal is to be seen, as it's way more dangerous for a driver to not see you at all than to see you and be grumpy you're on the road. While I always recommend talking to your local bicycle coalition, my local organization has a number of online bike safety classes that are available even if you aren't local. They specifically have a class on cycling at night that might be helpful.
I live in the PNW and biked for years as my only form of transportation and more recently to commute. I am not Asian, but have changed my routes based on perceived safety. If you're northern PNW...
I live in the PNW and biked for years as my only form of transportation and more recently to commute. I am not Asian, but have changed my routes based on perceived safety.
If you're northern PNW then you're biking in an area that is gray a lot of the year. Being seen is of utmost importance. I have a vest with reflectors that is large enough to go over any other gear, but light enough to be comfortable in the summer. My headlight is always on, and I have a red light for the back. Knowing your route is key. Example: There is a bike trail that I could take when I commuted by bike to work. I would never take that route at night as it passed several homeless encampments so instead during the winter months when I commuted in the dark, I would take the main roads. I could however augment that with less car traveled streets.
I would suggest riding a ton during the day to plan routes. Get a sense of the area so you can change your route on the fly without feeling panicked if you have to. I love riding at night, At night, with helmet and glasses, few people know what I look like, and I take full advantage of that.
Always use bright lights. At least one on/near the rear and one on the handlebar. Ideally, they should be one of those that blink very fast. Make yourself visible, cyclists with no lights are...
Always use bright lights. At least one on/near the rear and one on the handlebar. Ideally, they should be one of those that blink very fast. Make yourself visible, cyclists with no lights are invisible during the night.
I use blinking headlight and tail light and definitely recommend. I got them after I was driving and saw a cyclist using them years ago. They worked well on me as a driver!
I use blinking headlight and tail light and definitely recommend. I got them after I was driving and saw a cyclist using them years ago. They worked well on me as a driver!
My high school girlfriend lived a bike ride away from my house (and I didn't have any other form of transport, such as a car or a bus route, available at that time).
Her parents would allow me to spend time at her house, but I couldn't spend the night, and had to leave by 11pm.
I have lots of fond memories of bicycling through that small town late at night when all the roads were empty. One time I saw the Northern Lights (this was in the Pacific Northwest, where such a thing is quite rare, but not completely unheard of) for the first, and so far only, time of my life.
Any advice for biking at night? I live in the PNW as well, but I would be a little scared to bike in the night, especially given the recent violence against Asians. I would definitely get a headlight, but is there anything else you would recommend?
A headlight is good, so is a retroflective vest so that you stand out if a light shines on you. The goal is to be seen, as it's way more dangerous for a driver to not see you at all than to see you and be grumpy you're on the road. While I always recommend talking to your local bicycle coalition, my local organization has a number of online bike safety classes that are available even if you aren't local. They specifically have a class on cycling at night that might be helpful.
That sounds like a good idea. I'll also look into the bike safety classes. Thank you!
I live in the PNW and biked for years as my only form of transportation and more recently to commute. I am not Asian, but have changed my routes based on perceived safety.
If you're northern PNW then you're biking in an area that is gray a lot of the year. Being seen is of utmost importance. I have a vest with reflectors that is large enough to go over any other gear, but light enough to be comfortable in the summer. My headlight is always on, and I have a red light for the back. Knowing your route is key. Example: There is a bike trail that I could take when I commuted by bike to work. I would never take that route at night as it passed several homeless encampments so instead during the winter months when I commuted in the dark, I would take the main roads. I could however augment that with less car traveled streets.
I would suggest riding a ton during the day to plan routes. Get a sense of the area so you can change your route on the fly without feeling panicked if you have to. I love riding at night, At night, with helmet and glasses, few people know what I look like, and I take full advantage of that.
Always use bright lights. At least one on/near the rear and one on the handlebar. Ideally, they should be one of those that blink very fast. Make yourself visible, cyclists with no lights are invisible during the night.
I use blinking headlight and tail light and definitely recommend. I got them after I was driving and saw a cyclist using them years ago. They worked well on me as a driver!