Always on Daytime Bike Lights

Using your bicycle lights during daytime hours is a brilliant strategy for enhancing your safety while riding a bike.   There are lots of distractions on the streets from the various modes of transportation (pedestrian, auto, bike, scooter) and from cell phone usage.  It is common sense, and legally required, for cyclists to utilize a front light and rear reflector at night, but there are studies that say the majority of cycling crashes occur during daylight. Daytime running lights on autos have made a positive impact on traffic safety so there was a 12 month Danish study to see if safety benefits extend to biking.  In the study the use of daytime lights resulted in a 19% reduction in personal injury rates—that is a 1 in 5 drop in the risk of being injured.  Being “always on” is a good idea. 

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You can use the same bicycle lights in the daytime you would at night, but there are some considerations that may impact which light you choose

How to Select a Bike Light for Daytime Use

1. Ease of maintenance - Rechargeable lights cost more than those with batteries initially, but if your lights are on all the time you will save money in the long run by maintaining brightness with the USB cord that comes with them instead of springing for new batteries several times a year.  The brightest lights are rechargeable.  If you ride an ebike, the lights can be powered by the bike battery. 
2. Brightness – Get as many lumens as your budget can afford, at least 500 for the front and 100 for the rear.  The brighter the light the greater distance you will be seen from and you also need a pretty bright light for it to be seen in daylight.  If you ride trails or sections of road that are shaded, consider something brighter,  at least 1000 on the front and 250 on the rear.  To avoid blinding other cyclists, point your front light slightly down.
3. Ease of mounting/removal - As an urban cyclist you will want to remove your lights whenever you lock your bike outside and to recharge or replace the battery, so make sure you can get your lights on and off your bike with ease.  The mount that secures the light to the bike should not allow the light to move around while you are riding. 
4. ​Variable modes – Studies show that a steady light blends in so find a light with a flashing pattern--a variable pattern is even better. 
5. Battery life - If you typically ride for long distances or participate in day-long events, you will have different needs from someone whose commute is less than 5 miles, or goes for a couple of hours' riding on the weekend. Get a light that accommodates your pattern.  You never want to get into a dangerous situation because your lights’ battery runs out. 

Having a small beam projecting from the front and rear in the daytime alone will not afford you total protection but it is a start.  Lite it up! ​