By Ron & Jackie Eberle
“Nothing goods happens after midnight” is a saying that has been used in various contexts; however, when it comes to riding your bicycle, a totally new experience can be realized during a night ride. A regular route you cycle through the daytime changes with the arrival of night. Vehicular traffic lessens, nocturnal animals emerge, your senses see and feel a different environment from the daytime hours and ride.
You do not need to stop cycling in low light or nighttime hours, but you do need to tweak some things to make riding at night safer. Here are some tips to make yourself seen. Regardless of daytime or nighttime, you should ALWAYS wear a helmet, ride with the flow of traffic (never against) and ride predictably.
Ride with Lights: Either a flashing or steady white light in the front of your bicycle and a red light on the rear of your bicycle. Based on LED technology, the brightness and range of bike lights has increased substantially.
Visible Clothing: Bright colors with reflective strips on your torso and on body parts that move the most (i.e., legs, feet or ankles). These colors and reflectors make you stand out to drivers better. In addition, you can purchase tires with reflective sidewalls that also help at night by focusing on the distinctive movement of a bicycle to someone driving.
Plan Your Route and/or Ride the Route in Daylight First: Know where you want to go, and which route is safest. Even in daytime, there are streets and roads that are to be avoided. This understanding does not change during the night, regardless of reduced traffic. Cycle the route you are planning to ride at night, during the day. This is to make sure you know of any challenging spots and can manage them in the day – they can often be more difficult at night.
Ride with a Group: If possible, having additional bike riders around you when cycling at night can help increase your visibility to other road users. There are also more eyes to look out for hazards on the road and more hands to lend if a mechanical problem happens. Remember though, when riding in a group, ride no more than two abreast in the street and stay to the right.
Ride where you can be seen. Try not to hug the gutter when riding at night and try not to weave in and out of the flow of traffic. Stop at stop signs and follow other traffic regulations and patterns. Never ride against the flow of traffic.
Specific to the Night Owl, remember it’s a ride and NOT a race. Ride in control, at a comfortable pace and have fun!
Event: Raue Center’s Night Owl Bike Ride
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024
Time: 10:00 p.m., rider check-in begins at 8:30 p.m.
Location: Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Cost: By August 2nd $30 | Day of Registration $35 | children 12 & under $15
T-shirts are an additional $25 and can be purchased via our store on the registration page.
Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/85921/raue-centers-night-owl-bike-ride
