Now here is a topic that can be discussed at length for pages and pages.  I’ll put it bluntly and expand from there:  You can never have enough lights.

 

Cyclists who ride at night with little or no lights are affectionately nicknamed “ninja cyclists” because of their stealth.  However, when you’re about 200 pounds of bike and rider, facing 2000 pounds of steel, glass and plastic, it is not in your best interest to be a ninja!  Light yourself up like a beacon in the night!

 

Most provinces and states require at least a headlight and rear reflector to legally ride at night.  This isn’t good enough.  I recommend at least a 10W halogen front light or a 3W LED light (which is roughly equivalent in terms of light output), and a rear blinkie with at least seven individual LEDs.  However, if you can afford more, get more.  If you can afford a 13W HID lamp, then get one.  If you can afford multiple rear blinkie lights, get three or four.  Add reflective tape, wear reflective clothing. 

 

How do you know you’ve got enough lights?  Well, when cars pass you and give you more space than they do during the day, you’re doing well.  When they signal over into the other lane to pass, you’ve graduated from the school of Night Riders.

By the way, here are the lights I run on my trike:

And yes, cars pass me with lots of space to spare!