Commuting in the dark, I think I prefer it.

[Hedgemonkey]

I think it's the sense of solitude and peace with the surroundings, before the rest of the world stirs, it's like being wrapped in a big dark duvet.

 

[Moodyman]

Darkness itself is great, but I often
link the dark to winter commuting which becomes a chore by February. Its the cold and damp roads and having to take extra caution. March and April tend to be the best months as you know the worst is behind you and there are several nice months ahead.

 

[simongt]

I think it's the sense of solitude and peace with the surroundings, before the rest of the world stirs, it's like being wrapped in a big dark duvet.

Definitely agree with this; as I works shifts, every other week, I commute the twelve miles home after 23.00h. It's just so peaceful for the rural section, then not so bad through the last city bit.

 

[Crankarm]

As the mornings are starting to get lighter, I've come to the conclusion on my commute ( 14 miles of small town and semi rural lanes ) I actually prefer riding in the dark. I've got good lights and the journey always seems a little shorter when dark. Anyone else ???

Are you a vampire?

 

[Hedgemonkey]

 

[ADarkDraconis]

Are you a vampire?

I am (sadly) allergic to garlic and very pale so I do rouse suspicions...

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Find it incredibly meditative commuting in the dark lanes. It is like the dirt of work is washed off you as you head home and you arrive home cleansed and refreshed.

 

[Turdus philomelos]

I have always preferred commuting in the dark. I feel much safer as I'm far more visible.

 

[C R]

I have always preferred commuting in the dark. I feel much safer as I'm far more visible.

I can agree with that on a logical level, but I still find it quite stressful riding in the dark in traffic.

 

[Turdus philomelos]

I can cycle the 7 mile dark country road to work without a single thought of personal safety.
Walking down a dark road, the fear button is fully turned up.

 

[humboldt]

Not a huge fan of busy roads in the dark. However taking back roads through residential areas is very relaxing sometimes. There's something about cruising down a tree-lined street where the street lights are wrapped in leaves and giving out a soft greenish glow that feels amazing in early autumn, especially if it's just you on the road and nobody's rat-running past you. I used to divert through Walthamstow Village for this reason even though it was technically slightly longer to get home most of the time (I think the 'mini-Holland' scheme actually made it quicker and easier though).

 

[Sixmile]

I really love riding in the dark too, the country roads especially. I'd agree with feeling more visible too as the lights and reflectives really come into their own. I'd also agree with feeling fed up with the cold and dark by the end of January/start of February and just longing for the tide to turn. As it is, it's brighter now but certainly no drier or warmer than mid winter.

 

[SuperHans123]

Much prefer the dark but I only ride mainly on cycle tracks so haven't got so much pothole fear as roadies or people unlucky enough to have to cycle in London.
And my lights turn dark into light.

 

[steveindenmark]

I usually set off on my 20km commute at 4.30am. After a winter of that, I am looking forward to light mornings.

 

[C R]

This doesn't help

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43525525

I am finding both driving and cycling at night harder and harder because of this. I am glad it isn't just me.