The fall is around the corner and days are getting shorter pretty quickly. I thought this is a great time to talk about safety on the road, especially when it’s dark outside. We all got spoiled by summer months when we are rarely on the road before the sun is up and we are usually done with our workouts before sunset. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case. The weather is still nice and I fully intend to bike until it’s too cold, rainy or icy on the road. I probably have another couple of months before that happens. So for now, I need to make sure I stay safe on the road.
I might sound like I’m venting, but I promise: I’m not angry or even overly frustrated with anybody. I just want to discuss how we can all stay safer out there.
Yeah, it’s hard to see the road when you’re blinded by the light. I am one of those unfortunate souls who bike a lot on the paths surrounded by trees and with few lights, so without a light, it looks a lot like this:
So a lot of people think about headlight when they run or bike outside when it’s dark. It’s great! At least that’s a n easy sell. One note on this though: if you are coming towards somebody moving in opposite direction, lower or cover your light. PLEASE… Otherwise, this is how much of a road I see:
For all the talk there is out there about good headlights and flashlights, they are mainly addressing only one concern: so that you can see where you’re going. Don’t get me wrong – that’s really important. It’s helpful to know where the path is going or if there are obstacles on the road. I like knowing when somebody is coming head-on. But the real issue is people (and dogs) you are passing, especially when going full speed on a bike. Here is what unlit people look like to me from the back:
Yes, it’s hard to see, especially from further away. I have noticed a lot of people rely on reflective items. Here is something they may not realize: I have to be pretty close for my light to reflect off of it. That means I won’t have much maneuvering room when I finally notice you. Sadly, when it’s dark, that means that I can’t see clearly which way is safe to go. I actually noticed recently that when groups are together, quite frequently the least lit person is the closest to the middle of the road. Not the best approach… A couple of times I actually didn’t realize that there was somebody in there until I was pretty close.
So far, I have managed to dodge everybody in my way, although I have had a few close calls. My personal favorite was a construction worker on a bike whose clothes used to have reflective patches. He has no lights on the bike or himself. Unfortunately, I was riding on the bike path by a very busy road and I was already somewhat blinded by the light. He decided to turn across the path and he was against the trees with large number of headlights showing me the outline of the tree. I managed to dodge him by less than a foot.
Let’s talk solutions! They are obvious for the cyclists with the headlight and rear light:
Runners and walkers can wear lights, too! And light up the stroller. Have you seen the light-up collars for your dogs? They are cute! They will help you keep track of your fur-baby and keep them safe. You do want your puppy to be safe out there, right? So here are some suggestions on making yourself and your family (whether on 2 legs or 4) visible out there at night:
