“At night, all cyclists are gray” almost. In any case, a rider without reflective vest is not seen is a rider in danger. And before the multitude of lighting systems, it is difficult to recognize which are tailored to our needs. So are you an active cyclist or liability facing the bicycle lighting?
The active illumination means emit its own light through a board energy source. The main objective of the active light is to see and also to be seen. Let’s see what kind of lighting best match according to your cycling. A removable light is interesting if one uses several bikes. The disadvantages are: you need to transport your equipment each time on you when you park, to prevent theft. These accessories usually run on batteries that wear out quickly.
In general, a taillight LEDs (LED) red is recommended. Indeed, it is a powerful, economical, reliable light, and inexpensive. Namely, the lateral visibility is not as effective with a bulb (the diode beam is narrower). Up front, several choices available to you. For example the new headlights bright white LEDs (3W) are more effective than the old bulb lamps. More and more bikes are equipped with dynamo LED headlamp whose power can reach 40 Lux.
In poorly lit roads, halogen headlights are more effective than single bulbs. However, if these lights are feeding by batteries or batteries, backup time is very low. In fact, they consume a lot of energy. To counter this disadvantage, there are devices that are battery attached to the bicycle frame. They are heavier, but indispensable on long regular route.
The reflectors are mandatory equipment on his bike: white in front, red at the rear, and oranges on the pedals. There are also tires with reflective retro flanks that provide to have wheel reflectors (or ability to add adhesive reflective tape. It is possible to add additional reflectors and other colors in the wheels.
In case the bike is used regularly, it is best to use a lighting dynamo. Steady light with no risk of flight, complete autonomy, modest weight, durability, ecological, inexpensive. Main drawback: there is almost no lighting or when you are stopped.
Lighting battery is also used to run daily. But beware: rechargeable battery, power down quickly at the end of cycle. You may complete your journey in complete darkness.
The batteries are a good solution if you roll little night. Only this is not very environmentally friendly. In the article How to be visible bike while protecting its environment, you will find no batteries fires that have little negative impact on the planet.
Note that there are also lighting systems with magnetic induction contactless (without battery). The brand specializes in this area their latest range of front and rear lights RL 700 is powerful.
Wearing high visibility vest is mandatory open road at night or when visibility is inadequate, since 1 October 2008.
It is advisable to wear the recommended equipment for cycling to enhance visibility. If you wear a backpack, think of the reflective covers. Clothes can replace the wearing of the vest, provided they are approved. Several other bright accessories can be more discreet but equally effective: armbands, greenhouses pants, gloves.
