Bike Lights: Lighting Up the Vancouver Night
For those in the dark, bike lights are required by law in Vancouver for cyclists intending to ride between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise. Lights keep you safe by illuminating the space in front of your bicycle and informing those pesky motorists of your location. This is especially important during the winter months, when days are shorter and sunlight is at a minimum. Give the gift of light this holiday season and illuminate the ones you love.
Know the Law
Cycling laws are included in the Motor Vehicle Act in British Columbia. Section 183, subsection 6, details the requirements for front and rear lights. On the front, riders must have a white headlight that is visible for 150 m (492 ft). It is suggested that this light is positioned on the handlebars with a downward sloping angle to illuminate the road and inform oncoming vehicles of your position.
On the rear, cyclists are required to have a red reflector and a lighted red lamp. The lamp, or light, must have a visibility range of 100 m (328 ft). Subsection 7 has now been added to allow for blinking rear red lights to stand-in for the rear reflector. In other words, you only need a blinking red light – no need to go out and buy an extra reflector.
Buying Bike Lights
But which ones do you buy?
Well the good news is that most reputable bike shops will sell only lights that fit the current laws in BC. The big decision is batteries or USB. From my experience, go with the USB. You are doing the environment and your pocket book a favour. Yes, the battery ones may last longer and give off a slightly larger beam, but buying batteries is a pain. Go with the USB.
Plan to spend slightly more on a beefier front light. Avoid the thumbstick white lights and go with a design that will adequately light the road in front of you. I tend to like the designs that have small side lights to illuminate your hands, gearing and side position. Go with a light the size and diameter of half a banana.
On the back, the thumbstick red lights are perfect. They charge quick, come on and off easily when you need to duck into the store and are useful during the daylight hours for cars approaching from behind. I carry two in case one of mine fails. In a jam, it’s always better to have your rear lit up, even if this means duct taping your cell phone to your seat post.
Other handy lights to have on your bike as a backup are the little watch battery lights. You can pick them up for less than $10. They are low profile and are of little value to thieves.
Local Bike Shops
You can buy all these items and learn more about lights at English Bay Bikes in the West End. They are Vancouver’s go-to neighbourhood cycling shop. The prices are right and the staff are well trained on the products in the store.
So fill your boots, or your socks and give the gift of light this holiday.
