I think a lot would depend on the road and the tra...

2007-09-20T21:19:00.000-05:00

I think a lot would depend on the road and the traffic situation, Fritz. On a lightly traveled rural road, I'd probably ride slowly if I could see well enough to avoid potholes or debris. But I'd get off the road if a car approached, and walk the bike. If I recall right, a disproportionate percentage of cyclist fatalities involve riding at night without lights.

An urban street would be different to some extent. If traffic was light, and the street was well-lit, I'd ride on it but I'd still get off the street if any traffic approached. Sidewalks are a dangerous option since they're about 3 times more likely to involve a collision. Riding at pedestrian speeds would be a possibility.

Since I'm a former boy scout (you guessed, didn't you?) I keep a small flashlight in my seat bag, as well as another micro light on my keychain. They're not really bright enough to be conspicuous to a motorist, but they throw just enough light to see when it's very, very dark. Think of it as roughly equivalent to a full moon.

No, I won't claim that mine is the definitive answer, but I'll toss this question to some other experienced cyclists to see what they'd recommend.

There have been times where I discern cyclists onl...

2007-09-20T14:26:00.000-05:00

There have been times where I discern cyclists only because they eclipse the lights from behind them.

I'm undecided about one thing: Let's say I'm unexpectedly caught out after dark. Do I ride vehicularly without lights? Or do I become the pedestrian on wheels and ride at near walking speed on the sidewalk (assuming pedestrian traffic is light to none)? What's your thinking on this?

Comments on CycleDog: We ride by night...

I think a lot would depend on the road and the tra...

There have been times where I discern cyclists onl...