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April 05, 2022 5 min read
Bicycle lighting has come a long way since its invention. There are now LED lights that can illuminate the road ahead, headlights that automatically turn on at night, and even flashing lights that warn other drivers of your presence.
There are three main types of bicycle lights: front, rear, and side. Each type has its purpose. Front lights are designed to illuminate the path ahead, while rear lights are meant to alert motorists behind you. Sidelights are usually mounted on the handlebars or seat post and are intended to signal approaching vehicles.
We look at these types of lights in closer detail and tell you just what lights you need on a bike when riding in day or nighttime, as well as tough weather and visibility conditions to ensure you always stay safe and other motorists, can always see you. Let's jump in.
The most obvious reason to buy lights is safety. When it's dark, you have no idea who else is around you. Even if you see someone approaching from far away, it could still be an aggressive driver looking to run you off the road. That's why you need to make sure you're visible to others at all times. Bike lights help ensure that happens by giving you plenty of warnings before you encounter other vehicles.
Another benefit of bike lights is visibility. When you're riding at night, you want to be seen as well as possible. With lights, you can easily illuminate yourself and your surroundings. This makes it easier for other people to identify you and avoid hitting you. It also helps keep you safe from falling objects such as branches and tree trunks.
Finally, bike lights give you peace of mind. When you're riding through unfamiliar territory, you never know what dangers lurk ahead. By using lights, you can reduce the chances of getting hurt by avoiding obstacles and hazards.
When it comes to riding your bicycle, there are multiple different lights you need to consider applying to your bicycle to stay safe. These include:
Front Light
The most common form of bicycle lighting is the front light. It's used for two purposes: to make it easier to see when riding in low-light conditions and to provide illumination as an added safety feature.
Most modern bicycles have taillights built into them, so there's no need for separate lights. However, if you're looking for something more unique, you may want to consider adding a set of front lights. They can be attached to your helmet, handlebar, or frame using suction cups or magnets.
The front light is essential if you plan to ride after sunset or in unlit areas. Front lights are designed to shine directly ahead of you, allowing other drivers to see you even in poor visibility conditions. Front lights are also very important for safety during daylight hours as well.
A good front light has a white LED bulb that produces a wide beam pattern. It should have a range of around 100 meters (330 feet).
Taillight
A taillight is a light bulb with a lens around it. The lens helps direct the light forward and makes it visible from farther away than without one. Taillights are useful because they allow motorists to see you better in poor weather conditions and also help prevent accidents by signaling other drivers that you're turning left or right.
Side Lights
Sidelights are typically mounted on the handlebars and are used to alert other drivers of your presence when you ride past them. This is especially significant when you're riding through residential neighborhoods where children play outside. Most side lights use white LEDs (light-emitting diodes) instead of incandescent bulbs, which last longer and require less maintenance.
Rear Light
Rear lights are primarily used to alert motorists behind you that you're about to pass them. Rear lights should be bright enough to let other drivers know you're coming up fast, but not so bright that they blind them. Some rear lights also include brake lights, which flash when you apply your brakes. These lights are particularly helpful when driving at night because they give you time to react to other cars' braking.
The rear light is used to illuminate the area behind you. These lights usually consist of a small bulb mounted on a bracket attached to the frame of your bike. Rear lights are often required by law in some countries.
Rear lights are often red because this color is easiest to spot against dark backgrounds. Red also signals danger and is traditionally the color associated with stopping. This means when another motorist sees the color red, their instinct would be to slow down or stop completely, so you can ride on safely.
LED Lighting
LEDs are becoming increasingly popular in bicycle lighting. While they cost more upfront, their lower energy consumption means fewer batteries will need to be replaced over time. In addition, they don't contain mercury like traditional fluorescent lights, making them safer for kids and pets.
Bicycle Headlights
Headlights are another kind of bicycle lighting. Unlike taillights, which only work when you're moving, headlamps are always on. They're great for illuminating dark roads and paths, but they're also useful for signaling pedestrians and other cyclists. Headlamps come in both high-powered and low-powered varieties. High-powered models produce brighter beams and are generally more expensive. Low-powered models are cheaper but won't put out much light.
Before buying any bike lights, you'll need to decide what kind of lights you want. The first thing to do is work out whether you need a front, rear, or sidelight. Then, choose between high-powered and low-powered lights. Finally, consider how many lights you need. If you plan to ride in urban areas, you'll probably want to invest in a pair of front lights. For rural rides, a single rear light might suffice. If you plan to travel long distances, you'll likely need three lights: two on the front and one on the back. In some states, lights on bikes are law. This means always checking the state rules before heading out on your bike to stay safe and not get into trouble either.
When you are buying bicycle lights, you need to make sure that you buy from a reputable manufacturer such as Everbeam. Many companies sell cheap lights that may break easily or have poor-quality parts. It's best to go with brands that offer warranties and customer service such as our 2-year replacement warranty and 30 days no-hassle return.
We hope after reading this article you have gained a better understanding of what bike lights you need to have on your bike and how they can help you with navigation, staying safe, remaining visible on the roads, and ensuring other cars can always spot you on busy roads. As a cyclist, you are a much smaller motorist and as a result, you must always be seen to stay safe. At the very least you should have front and rear lights, as well as sidelights for extra visibility. Check out our products and stay safe whilst cycling!
