The Light Brigade

Andrew Neather
6 Oct 2010

It was 6.30pm. Already the streets were darkening and chilly. Could I really face cycling for 40 minutes in this to get home? Fingering the Oyster card in my pocket, I gritted my teeth and went to put on my garish cycling gear.

This is the time of year that sorts out the fairweather cyclists from the hardened Lycra-clad commuters. Still, the dark and the weather are no reason to stop you cycling: especially if you've already tried to beat the Tube strikes by bike. But it is important to have the right kit, above all the lights and reflective gear to keep you safe.

Cyclists are four times more likely to be hit by another vehicle during the hours of darkness than in daylight. On crowded city streets, you need to try harder than you might imagine to be seen by drivers. Police recommend wearing high-visibility clothing year-round (I wear a lightweight, breathable reflective vest even in summer). On autumn and winter evenings, such garb becomes essential.

Fortunately, whether you're a regular cyclist who doesn't pay much attention to kit or a novice tempted after a summer of Boris biking, you might be surprised by the revolution in cycle lighting and reflectives over the past few years.

Forget the bulky, heavy bike lights that were the norm 20 years ago: most lights now are very compact, running on a pair of AA or AAA batteries with a life of anything up to 60 hours. They last a lot longer if you have them on flashing mode — technically illegal, although you're unlikely to get stopped for it. Most are equipped with halogen bulbs or LEDs far brighter than they used to be.

Then there's the wide range of lights that can be clipped to helmets, rucksacks and clothing. A rear light on your helmet is a good idea because its height makes it far more visible to drivers than one on the standard mounting position under the saddle.

You can supplement these with all sorts of reflectives, from strips that stick to rucksacks to fluorescent arm and ankle bands. My cycling mitts, shoes and leggings have reflective strips, while I clip a rear light to a reflective band around my helmet.

Other new lights and clothing aim to go further. One disadvantage of conventional lights is that even bright ones can get swamped by similarly coloured lamps of other vehicles. So Proviz's rucksacks and jackets have blue lighting strips stitched into them.

More ambitious still is Neonight, a new British invention. They're blue, too: the manufacturer cites scientific findings that blue lights are easier to spot at night. Neonight's two pods snap on to either side of your helmet, coming on automatically when attached, and are rechargeable, using a computer USB cable. They are expected to be in the shops by Christmas.

Granted, put this kit on and you're not going to look cool. I tried out a Proviz jacket, along with its fluorescent yellow helmet with built-in lights front and back, and did indeed feel like a Christmas tree. But a very safe Christmas tree, all the same.

SOME BRIGHT IDEAS FOR EARLY NIGHTS

Proviz Saturn Helmet
Not only is it fluorescent yellow, but it also has LEDs on the front visor and at the back. £50.39 from proviz.co.uk

Knog Frog Lights
Made from flexible silicon, these may be designed to fit to your bike, but are small and versatile enough to clip onto any clothes, shoes or bags. £14.45 from cyclechic.co.uk

Two n' Fro Ankle Spats
Ideal for keeping your ankles and feet dry in winter storms, while the reflective borders make you stand out in the dark. £45 from cyclechic.co.uk

Proviz Electroluminescent Rucksack
Covering your hi-vis jacket with a bag might seem silly, unless it's this rucksack, with its electro-luminescent blue strips. £40.49 from proviz.co.uk

Endura Luminite Jacket
This eye-wateringly bright yellow jacket also has a flashing light strip on the back. £79.99 from cyclesurgery.com

Dashing Tweeds Legwarmers
Reflective knitwear has got to be the best way to keep your legs warm.
£40 from cyclechic.co.uk

Reflective beanie
You'll need a hat through winter — and it may as well be made from reflective wool. £50 from bobbinbicycles.co.uk

DHW 360 Lighting Helmet
For something a little less garish, these Design Headwear helmets have LEDs visible from all directions. £60.

Landing at the Cycle Show, tomorrow until Sunday, cycleshow.co.uk