Good lighting is both a safety essential and a freedom enabler. With proper lights you can ride year-round regardless of daylight hours, and you become significantly more visible to other road users.
Front lights
Front lights serve two purposes: seeing the road ahead and being seen by oncoming traffic. For unlit roads, you need 600+ lumens with a focused beam. For lit urban streets, 200 to 400 lumens in a broader pattern is sufficient.
Rear lights
- Flashing mode is more attention-grabbing in daylight.
- Steady mode is less disorienting for following cyclists at night.
- Multiple mounting points (seatpost, saddle bag, helmet) increase visibility angles.
- Look for lights with 180-degree visibility and integrated reflectors.
Battery management
Charge lights after every ride. USB-C rechargeable lights are most convenient. For long rides, carry a backup or choose lights with swappable batteries. Check battery level before leaving, not during the ride.