Bicycle Lighting Guide

November 5th at 2am marks the end of daylight savings time for 2017. As our clocks fall back, we will see the sun rise and set earlier, meaning that bicycle lighting will become all the more important on our evening glow rides. Bicycle lighting can be broken down into two basic categories:  lights that help others see you, and lights that help you see others.
Alabama Code 32-5A-265 requires that when biking at nighttime you have a white light mounted on the front that can be seen at least 500 feet away. This same code requires a red reflector in the rear that can be seen from 500 feet away when low beams from a motor vehicle are being used. This can be established by clipping on an inexpensive LED bike light. However, these codes only establish the bare minimum of visibility – we recommend the following lights:

• Rechargeable lights - encourage use through sustainability and reduce battery waste.
• LED lights - put out more light for less energy use and tend to last longer per charge.
  • Rear RED flashing light – will stand out from other solid lights.
  • Front WHITE flashing light – will catch the attention of oncoming motorists.
  • Front WHITE solid light – in addition to your front flasher this will allow you to see where you are going. We recommend at least 200 lumens for city riding (research your own light needs before purchasing).
• Flair lights – there are a tremendous number of other lighting systems that can be used to give your bike its own distinct personality. In addition to the above recommendations, please consider these fun options:
  • Patterned spoke lights that show a multitude shapes and colors - think LED billboard.
  • Colorful bar lights that cast light on the ground or bike frame - they also make interesting shadows.
  • LEDs that wrap your bike frame with color and light.
  • Hub lights that clamp around the center of your wheel.
  • Spoke rope lights that spin with your wheels and snake between your spokes.
  • Valve cap lights that quickly screw on our tire valves and streak when you ride.

ValloCycle is committed to creating and supporting a biking community in Montevallo. Join us on our next Glow Ride – an evening ride through Montevallo. Next Glow Ride is November 8th - meet 6:30pm in front of UMOM, ride 7pm. ValloCycle is Alabama’s oldest citywide bike share. For more information visit vallocycle.com or contact vallocycle@gmail.com