Night Riding Under the Moon in Reflective Cycling Clothing
Have you ever done any night riding? Of course you have. Unless you migrate to the southern hemisphere each year like a swallow, all UK cyclists have to cope with roads growing steadily darker the moment British Summer Time is switched off in October.
Most of us grumble when the nights draw in and high-visibility cycle clothing becomes a necessity. But cycling by moonlight can be an exhilarating experience. Night riding under the moon can be a wonderful way to experience the sheer liberating joys of cycling.
Of course, there are pros and cons to consider. The pros? Traffic reduces from a constant hazardous stream of drivers (of varying degrees of awareness) to tranquil streets. Provided they're covered with street lighting, cycle paths become devoid of pedestrians and can become your own miniature Grand Prix track. If you are cycling beneath a full moon, the whole landscape becomes bathed in a wonderful silver glow.
At night-time any city, town or village becomes illuminated from a variety of sources. This is perfect for the high visibility cycling clothing you must wear. If you are passed by any vehicles, they'll always have their headlights on and these strong beams are perfect for bouncing off your reflective cycling clothing.
The cons? Cyclists go out of their way to be noticed in the dark. They don clothing that lights like beacons, with luminous flashes on jerseys, gloves, jackets or gilets. Pedestrians do the complete opposite. As winter draws ever closer, bright summer attire goes to the back of wardrobes to be replaced by greys, navy blues or blacks. You might find yourself cruising along a city street, basking in moonlight, your high visibility clothing catching the attention of passing cars, your cycle lights flickering. But you'll need to be eternally vigilant for pedestrians. (Especially those teenage Goths who don't possess a stitch of clothing that isn't black!)
In urban streets you'll also need to keep an eye out for a variety of nocturnal creatures that can scuttle across your path at any moment. Foxes, badgers and hedgehogs join in the customary gauntlet of dogs and cats.
Seriously, if you want to enjoy a night ride, just cycle sensibly. Remember, it's illegal to cycle on any British road without a back reflector on your cycle. Keep this clean. It is also strongly recommended you use reflectors on both wheels, as well as pedals (these should come as standard if your bike was purchased after 1985).
Most of us grumble when the nights draw in and high-visibility cycle clothing becomes a necessity. But cycling by moonlight can be an exhilarating experience. Night riding under the moon can be a wonderful way to experience the sheer liberating joys of cycling.
Of course, there are pros and cons to consider. The pros? Traffic reduces from a constant hazardous stream of drivers (of varying degrees of awareness) to tranquil streets. Provided they're covered with street lighting, cycle paths become devoid of pedestrians and can become your own miniature Grand Prix track. If you are cycling beneath a full moon, the whole landscape becomes bathed in a wonderful silver glow.
At night-time any city, town or village becomes illuminated from a variety of sources. This is perfect for the high visibility cycling clothing you must wear. If you are passed by any vehicles, they'll always have their headlights on and these strong beams are perfect for bouncing off your reflective cycling clothing.
The cons? Cyclists go out of their way to be noticed in the dark. They don clothing that lights like beacons, with luminous flashes on jerseys, gloves, jackets or gilets. Pedestrians do the complete opposite. As winter draws ever closer, bright summer attire goes to the back of wardrobes to be replaced by greys, navy blues or blacks. You might find yourself cruising along a city street, basking in moonlight, your high visibility clothing catching the attention of passing cars, your cycle lights flickering. But you'll need to be eternally vigilant for pedestrians. (Especially those teenage Goths who don't possess a stitch of clothing that isn't black!)
In urban streets you'll also need to keep an eye out for a variety of nocturnal creatures that can scuttle across your path at any moment. Foxes, badgers and hedgehogs join in the customary gauntlet of dogs and cats.
Seriously, if you want to enjoy a night ride, just cycle sensibly. Remember, it's illegal to cycle on any British road without a back reflector on your cycle. Keep this clean. It is also strongly recommended you use reflectors on both wheels, as well as pedals (these should come as standard if your bike was purchased after 1985).
Comments
Post a Comment