TIPS FOR RIDING A MOTORIZED BIKE AT NIGHT

Riding your bike at night requires more attention. From the clothes, you wear to the route you use.

Here are a few tips from our team to ensure you’re safe riding your bike at night.

• Lights:
  
   At Ariel Rider, we equip all of our bikes with both front and rear lights. In most conditions, you shouldn’t need anything extra. If your route is very dark, we suggest getting extra battery-operated lights for both the front and rear. This will help you be more visible. Remember, most of the bike/car collisions are at night time due to the low visibility of the bicycle itself.
  
  
• Use reflective gear:
  
  For a safe night ride, being visible is the key. Please consider wearing clothing that will help you stand out in the darkness.
  
  There are many reflective vest options in the market. We know they’re not stylish, but style vs safety… You do the math.
  
  You might want to look into reflective tapes as well. These tapes are barely visible during day time, but during nighttime, it will make your ebike stand out and make it visible. 
  
  
• Dress properly:
  
  Not all of us live in a 24/7 summer climate. In Seattle, there is a big difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures in both summer and winter. There is also a lot of rain, but that could be a topic for another blog post. You need to wear clothes that help you stand out. You should also choose clothes that keep you warm.
  
  I personally am a huge fan of wind/rain proof clothing. Because when it’s cold outside, it’s not the temperature that gets me the most, but it’s the cold wind that freezes me inside out. Many brands are now gearing towards cyclists, there are some great styles out there. From wind-proof Khakis to wind-proof sweatpants are all available without breaking the bank.
  
  
• Ride Defensively:
  
  The general road rules apply to cyclists as well. You cannot expect the car behind/next to you to do the expected right more. Always be alert. Expect the unexpected in a way. Yes, some cars are hard to see at night. This is because some drivers forget to turn on their lights. But remember, you are harder to see on the road than a car.
  
  We all enjoy listening to music while biking. However, I suggest you avoid this during night rides. This also applies to daytime rides in traffic. Staying alert to sounds around you is important for safety. 
  
  
• Plan your route:
  
  When planned correctly, nighttime rides can be a lot of fun – especially in summer. Sometimes it’s just a leisurely ride and some for just commuting. I always try to choose a road that is well lit and has fewer potholes. Let’s be honest, in a big city, no road is free of potholes.