Why Use Bike Lights During Daytime Hours

Regardless of the reasons why, we’ve all seen cyclists using their bike lights during daytime hours - some of us may be wondering why, but that’s largely irrelevant, the main point is, that we have seen them in the first place!

Whilst bike lights are predominantly used in the winter months, where darkness hours are longer lasting and inescapable - there’s a good case for bike lights to be used during all seasons all levels of daylight - much in the way that most vehicles now use daytime running lights, including both cars and motorbikes.

In this post, we look at some of the reasons why you should switch on your bike lights during daylight hours & keep them with you, VS just bringing them out when when light levels are low.

Increased Visibility & Safety

The main reason to use bike lights during the day, is to increase your own visibility on the roads. Whatever the light conditions, you can never been too ‘seen’ on a road - and road safety studies have findings that state that cyclists who permanently run lights on their bike can decrease their risk of being in an incident on the roads by 19%.

There’s no law covering using of bike lights during daylight hours, but we are firm believers that if anything makes you safer on the roads, you should do it.

Ready For Anything

Having a pair of bike lights on your bike, really does prepare you for all eventualities. Want to take the longer route home? No problems. Weather changes for the worst and visibility dips during daylight hours - also no problems.

Light levels can drop really quickly during the winter months, to the point where you can easily be caught out if you spend too long drinking coffee, or choose to add in a few extra miles - this is especially true if you are riding in shady areas during twilight and dusk - such as roads under tree canopies, these darker conditions can leave you at risk of other motorists not seeing you, and also having your forward visibility hindered.

Lights are really good these days

Those of us who are old enough to remember the bike light’s of yesteryear remember just how poor older bike lights were - between having to put batteries in them and then having problems with reliability and durability, all for a lacklustre light - will be very pleased with advances in technology. Easy charging, tough and robust designs and incredibly bright lights - with stacks of different lighting modes, all make for effective and easy to use lighting - which in daytime flash mode, can easily be seen by motorists.

More than just a light

Many bike lights are now ‘smart lights’ these lights have been designed to specifically draw the attention of drivers of vehicles, and many lights also have different features - such as integrated cameras which capture a ride in case of an incident. Many rear bike lights also project red light onto the road behind the bike, encouraging motorists to give you room and not drive into the lit area.

More Affordable Than Ever

Most bike lights are interchangeable, so if you are an avid mountain biker as well as road cyclist - one set can do the job on both bikes, thanks to modern brackets and fitting mechanisms. Bike lights also offer excellent value for money, whilst we recommend high visibility winter cycling clothing - a bike light really packs a punch, and because of advances in technology, they are cheaper than ever - allowing you to purchase bike lights for your bike, and also look at the option of helmet lights too.

Bike Lights Online

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply a great range bike lights to fit all bikes, all riding disciplines and all budgets - brands include Topeak, Knog, Garmin and Lezyne to name just a few.