Probably all of us sometimes found ourselves in a situation where we had to go cycling in the dark or even after dark. During the summer holidays and all-day cycling trips, it is not unique at all. However, it should be remembered that you need to be well visible. From a distance and all sides. As with pedestrians, the rules of visibility apply to cycle.
The driver reacts with a delay
The cyclist needs to be seen by the driver of the vehicle in time so that he can avoid it in time. Note that the driver reacts with a delay. To stop or stop the chauffeur in time, the driver must see you from a distance. Before the driver even begins to react, they pass more than two seconds and during that time the vehicle travels a relatively long distance.
The cyclist must be seen from all sides
From behind: The cyclist rides on the same side as vehicles that drive much faster, so visibility from behind is important. For this reason, the wheel must be equipped with mandatory red reflectors (rear and pedal) and red rear light. The light may also flash.
From the side: The cyclist crossing the intersection on the main road must be seen for vehicles coming from the side road, so it must also be seen from the side. It is necessary to have orange reflectors on the wheel spokes. However, you must not forget the reflective elements of clothing.
Front: In poor visibility, the wheel must be equipped not only with reflectors but also with a front light. However, you can significantly increase your safety by using reflective materials on your clothing.
Reduced visibility is not only in the dark.
Visibility is also impaired in fog, heavy rain, snowfall, from dusk to dawn, or in a tunnel. Again, the best assistant is the reflective vest, because it is not only equipped with reflective stripes but is made of luminous (fluorescent) material, so it is easy to see even in dim light and reduced visibility.
Most cautious must be a cyclist in the dark or rain
The driver has poor visibility, thanks to the raindrops on the vehicle’s window, the ambient lights “break” and the driver are also dazzled by the lights of oncoming vehicles.