Cycling at night

[benb]

Tuesday was the first time I've done my commute in total darkness, as I got caught up at work.

I paradoxically felt safer; it seemed that people were driving more carefully and paying more attention than in the daytime.

What does everyone else think?

 

[palinurus]

Proper darkness is better than overcast/murky or bright/ low sun (which is pretty much all I get at this time of year on my commute)

 

[Ravenbait]

I like cycling at night. Especially when it's late enough for the traffic to have died down and outside the city where it's properly dark.

I think there's a degree of unknown about a cyclist at night. The drivers can see the reflectives and the lights, but not the full cyclist, so they are a little more cautious because they can't see exactly what size and shape you are. In the day full visibility leads, I reckon, to a certain dregree of contempt born from familiarity.

Sam

 

[MartinC]

Riding at night on rural (i.e. unlit) roads when you've got decent lights and reflectives seems much safer to me - cars seem to give you much more room than in daylight. I think part of it is the "wtf is that" reaction to flashing lights and whirling reflectors.

 

[Moodyman]

Cycling in the dark is much safer, so long as you're well lit up.

I think it comes from drivers not being sure where you start and finish exactly, so to be sure, they give you more room than they would otherwise.

 

[gaz]

from my experience, much worse in the dark than in the day.

 

[Tynan]

the dark itself is alright but mixed with peds and London traffic, not so much, hard to see potholes and plenty of them need seeing

I didn't like going home in the twilight/dark and rain yesterday, I took it easy and a lot of other riders did too but there were plenty of ninjas going hell for leather, I imagine they weren't enjoying the rain in their black jeans/trackies and black coats

 

[StuartG]

Darkness, to me, has the increased danger of drivers on recreational drugs (especially drink). On recent FNRttCs we even had it thrown at us ...

 

[Midnight]

I luuurv cycling under the stars ... much less traffic about, and like others have said, drivers seem to take more care. Of course you need to be well lit and have reflective clothing, and are prepared for the cold. You also need to be more vigilant, and I find it's best to avoid the local nightlife areas, in case of drunks/taxi drivers in F1-mode etc...

 

[Browser]

Of course you need to be well lit and have reflective clothing, and are prepared for the cold. You also need to be more vigilant, and I find it's best to avoid the local nightlife areas, in case of drunks/taxi drivers in F1-mode etc...

"All right, but apart from the sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh water system and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?"

 

[johnr]

Your local Aldi may still have some of their reflective, flashing bands in stock: guaranteed an extra 2-3 feet of passing room by the average motorist and good enough to stop confused (ie intoxicated) people in their tracks.

Now, add a foska bones jacket in the colder weather and no one will fuss you

 

[davefb]

ulp, first proper 'night' bit tonight..



didnt like it . though tbh it's more that on the last bit of my 'full distance' commute, i'm totally whacked .... ( 1hr going into manc, 1hr15 coming home but with more stops!)..


will have to fit a whole heap of lights

 

[400bhp]

Cycling in the dark is much safer, so long as you're well lit up.

I think it comes from drivers not being sure where you start and finish exactly, so to be sure, they give you more room than they would otherwise.

Perhaps.

Risk of accident might be reduced but perhaps not the severity.

 

[skudupnorth]

Absolutly love night riding ! Did a good run tonight after work to my Mums which is 18 miles from my work doorstep to her house to get my haircut believe it or not ! Set off back just after 7.15 joined the Trans Pennine just after Timperley,got buzzed by a bat,nearly squished a rabbit all in the dark with my lovely niteriders keeping me company.Left at the Lyme/Warburton junction and carried on up to Tyldesley for what was a very nice ride.Also helped two students trying to get back to Manchester my showing them the way to Glazebrook station on a folder and MTB who were lost in the darkness,if you are on here i hope you got home safely !

 

[400bhp]

Absolutly love night riding ! Did a good run tonight after work to my Mums which is 18 miles from my work doorstep to her house to get my haircut believe it or not ! Set off back just after 7.15 joined the Trans Pennine just after Timperley,got buzzed by a bat,nearly squished a rabbit all in the dark with my lovely niteriders keeping me company.Left at the Lyme/Warburton junction and carried on up to Tyldesley for what was a very nice ride.Also helped two students trying to get back to Manchester my showing them the way to Glazebrook station on a folder and MTB who were lost in the darkness,if you are on here i hope you got home safely !

Was that via Hardy's farm and / or Chorlton water park?