Road Cycling: Night Commuting?

I would second the comments - you're right not to try without lights, but get yourself kitted up and make a go of it!  You'll save enough on gas (call it $3/day at 30 mpg and $3/gal * 20 work days/month = $60) in the first month to buy adequate lights, and you'll get fit and have more fun.  I really enjoy riding home at night, myself.

I run one of these: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20472&subcategory_ID=4320, which are on clearance right now at performance as well as a second, dimmer flashing light up front, and a pair of red flashers in back, but that's mostly just to be seen.  I really suggest 2 lights front and back - batteries usually give you some warning as they're dying (lights dim) and most lights are pretty waterproof, but redundancy is a good thing.

I don't work for performance or anything, but they do have a bunch of lights on sale right now, actually, and a 10% coupon running.  FWIW, I don't feel the need on my commute to have any of the $150+ lights that really let you see - There's enough streetlight along my commute to keep me happy.  And be careful with the ultra-bright systems - they burn through batteries a lot faster - they probably wouldn't last through 2 commutes if you forgot to charge one night.

I ride a lot at night and early morning as I am in the navy and get stuck with some odd shifts.  I love it because, at least in SE Georgia, there's no traffic and the coastal winds have mostly died down.

Stay visible!  We h have a dozen or so homeless fellows in town that ride around all night with no helmet, vest, reflectors or lights and ride down the middle of the lanes and they are not easily spotted. 

Always keep in mind, day or night, miles ridden are still miles ridden and calories burned. 

The problem I always have is not being able to see where I'm going when there is a vehicle coming the other way.  Their lights are always better than mine but don't seem to illuminate my side of the road. In fact they throw it into shadow.

 Anyone else have this problem? 

I've done night commuting and it can be great.  Do what you need to do to be seen lights front and rear, I have tires with reflective side walls that are really effective.  Reflective clothing  such as anything with illumiNITE fabric really helps define your shape to drivers.  Beware drunk drivers.  Avoid trafic as much as possible even if it means taking a much longer route.

PBA Wrote:  The problem I always have is not being able to see where I'm going when there is a vehicle coming the other way.  Their lights are always better than mine but don't seem to illuminate my side of the road. In fact they throw it into shadow.

 Anyone else have this problem? 

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I shake my head up and down (I use a headlamp) when a car is coming.  It seems to alert cars that there is something up ahead, and they lower their brights.  If you then look at the road directly in front of you until the car passes, it's usually just enough to track you right.

i know it's not technically legal but on busyish roads at night i ride facing into oncoming traffic. i feel a lot safer than when they're coming up behind me as you never know if they've seen you or not. seems to make drivers take more care when passing you and gives you a chance to get out of the way if necessary...

 when i was a kid i had red and white lights on both the frount and back of my bike which i suppose would catch a motorists eye, therefore making him pay more attention....

 tired motorists tend to slip into somewhat of a trace, try something different to snap them out of it...

Grab some lights for your nightly commutes, and spend a little extra and get a rechargeable lighting system… I recently purchased the nightrider mini USB. It’s a power full, lightweight system.

I love cycling at night, lights are a must though. I am a big fan of retroflective tape and have stuck some red tape down the back of my seat stays. The advantage of this is that it is always on the bike so i can cycle in what ever clothing i like. It is the car lights that light up the tape so I'm not having to worry about batteries for a second rear light. And, if my rear light was to fail i can still be seen.

 I use a smart 1/2 watt led light at the rear which is nice and bright. I am not a big fan of flashing rear lights, drivers find them hard to focus on to judge distance and if the light is bright when it flashes it draws the drivers eyes to it and they if not switched on can end up driving where there eyes are pointing.

Safe cycling is about being predictable, if you have a good bright rear light on consistent mode car drivers expect it and will act accordingly, in theory!

Oh, and I was reading the other comments, and the hot topic seems to be lights...I use a Cat Eye LED with 5 bulbs on the front for the headlight, and a second Cat Eye taillight for the back, 4 bulbs, I belive. Both work wonderfully and have a variety of flashing functions. The headlight illuminates about 10-15 feet ahead quite nicely (in total darkness.) I switch it over to flashing whenever cars come, and I always have the taillight set to flash. Total cost: $50. Cwiggins fancy lights are nice, to be sure, but in my opinion overpriced and unnecessary. I suppose it could be argued that you can't put a price on safety and ultimate visibility, but I belive that is in the eye of the beholder. However, I strongly agree with the suggestion of a reflective vest. I personally do not own one, but have been meaning to go out and buy one for some time. I have seen firsthand how the reflection off a $25 vest can be brighter than the light of a $150 headlight!  

Happy graveyard riding!

-Patrick

PBA:

The problem I always have is not being able to see where I'm going when there is a vehicle coming the other way. 

Anyone else have this problem? 

 I've had that problem, but after upgrading to a better light,I've had more luck.

 My night commute is a little longer because I take a less travelled route, but that's about it.

When you're riding at night I reckon the amount of light you need varies a lot.

Cruising city streets - need enough to be seen, most streets have enough lighting to see where you're going once your eyes adjust. cheapo LED flashing light

Low-Flying city streets - need to see where you're going, a bit more light. Decent LED/Halogen light

Cycleways - don't need much unless the moon isn't around, cheapo LED light.

Busy Road - lots of light to be seen. Good flashing LED.

Off Road/Trail/out in the country  - as much as you can afford.

I made a system using 2 different downlight globes for high and low beam + 12V lead acid battery years ago. I've just purchased an LED downlight globe now that they put out enough light equiv to 20W that the old low beam put out. My 50W globe used to last about 40min and it's bright enough to have drivers flash their lights at me. 20W was good for off road riding. New globe at 3W should last about 7hrs on the battery about as big as a water bottle. Advantage: good light, cheap, easy to wire up (wire from battery-switch-globe-battery). Disadvantage: heavy battery and a bit big.

Technology has improved in the last few years and you can get fantastic lights if you've got the cash.