How To: Improve your bike's night visibility

In some places, it's illegal to ride your bike at night without lights or reflectors, so if you plan on going for a joyride on your street bike, then you need to be prepared to share the road with vehicles and be seen. Appropriate gear and lighting are essential for safety when riding a bike at night.

You Will Need
* Bike
* Reflective tape
* Reflective gear
* Rear bike light
* Bike headlight
* Common sense
* Helmet light (optional)

Riding a bicycle at night can be dangerous. The risk of a fatal collision is much higher than during daylight. Use caution and always wear a helmet.

Step 1: Attach reflective gear
Place reflective tape strategically around your bike and outerwear, including your helmet. Wear reflective gear, such as a reflective vest, when biking at night.

Wearing fluorescent colored clothing can help your visibility, but it is not a substitute for reflective gear.

Step 2: Attach a rear light
Attach a red rear blinking light to your seat post, and always turn it on in low lighting conditions.

Make sure that none of your clothing or equipment covers up or limits the visibility of your rear light.

Step 3: Headlight
Attach a bright headlight to your handlebars. Angle it so you can see the road and so oncoming traffic can see you.

Check your lights before each ride, and carry extra batteries.

Step 4: Check reflectors
Clean the reflectors on your wheels, front stem, and seat post and make sure they are securely attached.

Step 5: Use common sense
Pretend you are invisible to drivers when you bike at night, even if you have lots of lights and reflective gear. Common sense is the best way to avoid an accident.

A bicycle going 15 miles per hour on a dry, clean surface needs 35 feet to come to a complete stop.