9 Tips for Riding When Daylight Dwindles

“Greg
Written by
Greg Kaplan,
After our clocks fall back and daylight savings ends, light fades faster each day, and fitting in a post-work ride can get tricky. Not only is it harder for you to see, but it's harder for cars to see you, as well. Follow these tips to ensure your safety on the roads after dark throughout the fall and winter.
Low Light Poses a Risk to Cyclists
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According to the NHTSA, most collisions involving cyclists occur between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. during non-daylight savings time. Why? In diminished light, the human eye is transitioning between daylight vision and night vision.

In daylight, our eyes' cone sensors allow us to see color in high contrast. When it's dark outside, the eyes use rod sensors, which can discern motion and contrast. At low light levels, eyes shift between these two types of sensors, so they don't really see well with either set. Plus, it can take more than a minute for our eyes to adjust from one system to another. With eyesight limited in this way when it comes to low light levels, such as at dawn and dusk, cyclists may be at greater risk of collisions with those who are sharing the road.

Armed with this knowledge, you can move on to planning a safe evening ride.
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Cycling Route Planning
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If possible, plan your cycling route on well-lit roads or multi-use paths, through areas where visibility is high. This applies both after dark and before sunrise.
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Always Ride with Traffic
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Riding against motor vehicle traffic is especially dangerous at night: You can be temporarily blinded by headlights, which can decrease response time for evasive steering.
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Use Headlights to See and Be Seen
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When setting up your bike headlight, don't blind oncoming traffic. Aim it at the ground about three meters ahead of your bike and, although it may seem counterintuitive, set your headlight on the lowest setting in low light conditions. Others using the same roads or paths will thank you for your courtesy, and you'll still be able to see what's ahead of you.
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Use Tail Lights When Riding
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One of the most effective ways to be seen while cycling in low light is by using a tail light on your bike. Increase your visibility by setting your tail light to strobe mode.
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Obey State and Local Laws
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In fact, many state and local laws require cyclists use headlights and tail lights when riding after sunset and before sunrise. In many locales, cyclists must obey additional laws, as well, so make sure you know before you go.
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Apply Reflective Tape
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Increase your visibility by applying reflective tape to your cycling shoes or to other areas on your body or your bike.
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Wear Apparel with Reflective Features
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When selecting cycling apparel for riding in low light conditions, select gear that has reflective panels and features. Reflective elements on the legs or piping around pockets and zippers can help you be seen by others.
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Wear Photochromic Eyewear
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Wearing performance eyewear at night offers protection from wind and other airborne dangers (tearing up can inhibit sight). Specifically, glasses with photochromic lenses, which change opacity quickly, are your best bet for cycling in varying light conditions.
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About the Author

“Greg
More by Greg» Greg Kaplan, Freelance Writer
A lifelong endurance sports athlete, Greg raced bikes on the road as a junior prior to changing his athletic focus to rowing. Upon retiring from elite rowing competition, Greg revisited his passion for racing bikes and also added some swimming and running into the mix, competing at the ITU Age Group World Championships on multiple occasions. He and his wife Shannon—also a rower, bike-racer, and triathlete—enjoy traveling, learning about wine and keeping up with their rescue cats when they are not training or racing.