Fall Ride

Summer to fall and soon fall to winter.  It does not take long before the morning commute and evening ride are done in the dark.  I take extra care in the dark and especially when it’s raining.

Driving in Seattle when it’s dark and raining is tough and unfortunately we can’t rely on drivers acting extra cautiously.  The other day, while driving, I was reminded what drivers are dealing with – fogged windows, water droplets that reflect headlights, wet roadways that hide the lane lines.

That all said, what do we as cyclists do about?  Light ourselves up like Christmas trees of course.  I use different lights depending on the ride.  “To be seen” lights are mostly to bring drivers’ attention to your presence.  “To see” lights are necessary when you’re traveling in dimly lit areas of the city or whenever you need the road to be illuminated.

Washington law requires that during certain hours, bicycles be equipped with a white light in front, visible from at least 500 feet ahead, and a red reflector in the rear visible from 600 feet behind.  A red light may be used in addition to the reflector and must be visible from 500 feet to the rear.  (see RCW 46.61.780)

The law also instructs us when the lights are required and this depends on the sunset and sunrise times.  Generally between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise you need lights that comply with 46.61.780. (see RCW 46.37.020)

MY LIGHTS

I have a small arsenal of lights that I use on a regular basis – here’s the brief rundown.

I really like Cateye, especially because they have amazing customer service.  It’s easy to get replacement parts online and they are happy to give a warranty replacement if there’s a problem.

Rear red blinking light - This is a new version of mine.  It takes AAA batteries, not any odd types that require a trip to the drugstore.

Front white light – switch from blinking to solid to off – you can mount it anywhere

My team is sponsored by Sigma Sport, so I have some bias to disclose.  I wouldn’t be using the lights if they didn’t work though, they’d be long gone by now on ebay or craigslist.org.  The Sigma Sport sets are reasonably priced, some include 2 batteries, and you have a lot of options with 2 headlights (1 more powerful than the other) that you can use together or separately.  You can get a full package with Sigma that will work for any ride.

Good night time routes:

Magnolia – not too much traffic, good lighting, do one loop or do a couple and get some intervals in – don’t forget that lovely hill in the middle of Discovery Park that comes up from the water!

Lake WA Blvd – not recommended for an inexperienced rider, traffic can be heavy during commute time, but it’s a dependable route and at least the cars expect cyclists to be there, you’ll need strong lights

Mercer Island – drive or ride over, heavier traffic during commute time, but generally a good place to ride anytime, uninterrupted riding as you don’t encounter many intersections