Can Bike Lights Be Too Bright? Learn Your Lumens!

Riding your bike after the sun goes down or in the early morning hours? Bike lights become your best buddies, helping you stay safe and visible on the road. But can bike lights be too bright? We need to see well but we also need to consider others. Let’s explore this and learn more about lumens!

Why Brightness Matters:

Bike lights are effectively your bike’s voice in the dark. They help you see where you’re going and make sure others see you too. Bright lights are super helpful, especially when you’re riding in places where it’s really dark. They light up the path ahead, making it easier for you to see and avoid any obstacles.

When Brightness Becomes a Problem:

Sometimes, those bright lights can be a bit too much. Imagine you’re riding your bike and suddenly someone shines a super bright light right into your eyes. It’s not just uncomfortable, it can be downright dangerous, especially for drivers or other cyclists.

Safety Considerations:

What’s the deal with brightness and safety? Well, while it’s important to be visible, it’s also important not to blind others on the road. Being considerate to fellow road users keeps everyone safe and happy. There are several legal requirements in the UK Highway Code for bike lights: “At night (that means between sunset and sunrise) your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen.” These laws are rather outdated and the pedal reflector requirements are impossible to comply with when using clipless systems. There are no laws about brightness, however it´s best to try and play by the rules as much as possible and consider other road users. It´s all about safety after all.

Note – Remember, no matter how bright your front light is, it’s essential to angle it downwards slightly. This way, the light illuminates the road in front of you without shining directly into the eyes of oncoming traffic. It’s a simple adjustment that can make a big difference in ensuring everyone’s safety on the road.

Finding the Sweet Spot:

Here´s the difficult bit: how do you find that best balance between being seen clearly and not blinding others? You can adjust your bike lights to different brightness levels – some lights even come with settings that let you dim them down when needed. It’s all about being mindful of your surroundings, using your common sense and choosing the right light for the right situation.

Ideal Lumen Range:

• Front Light: The ideal lumen range for front lights is typically between 200 to 1000 lumens. This range provides ample visibility without being too dazzling for other road users. If 200 seems insufficient, go a bit higher and you´ll still be in the acceptable bounds.
• Back Light: For rear lights, the ideal lumen range falls between 50 to 100 lumens. These parameters ensure that you’re visible from behind without causing discomfort to those following you.

Recommended Bike Lights:

While the recommendations below may not be the cheapest models, they are from trusted brands that have been around a long time and are known for quality, long-lasting products. However, if you want to spend around £16 – £18, there´s a well-reviewed set of front and rear lights here: Mohard Bike Lights Set, Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Cycle Lights Front and Back for Night Riding, IPX6 Waterproof Mountain Bicycle Light (Although lumens isn´t stated, users say that they are very bright and do have many modes.)

Front Light: CatEye Ampp 800 Front Bicycle Light

Features: High power rechargeable 800 lumens headlight.
Large side-lens for enhanced side visibility.
Built-in fast recharging circuit – full charge in approx. 3 hours (minimum).
Robust aluminium body.
Turns on high mode with double click of power button.
Light mode memory.
Power button functions as battery indicator: Blue +50%, Yellow 50-30%, Red 30-0%.
Excellent daytime visibility in Daytime HyperConstant mode.
Flashing mode. Check the CatEye Ampp 800 Front Bike Light at Amazon

Back Light: Lezyne Strip Drive Pro Rear Bicycle Light, USB Rechargeable

Features: High output LEDs with a maximum of 400 lumens.
270 degrees of visibility from the lens offers almost unparalleled sightlines.
7 modes – two day flash modes, two solid modes, three other flashing modes.
Waterproof IPX7-rated co-molded housing.
USB rechargeable – integrated battery, included USB-C cable. Top up easily between riding. Check out this bike light: Lezyne Strip Drive Pro Rear Bike Light

Light Set: Cygolite Metro Plus 800 & Hotshot Pro 150 Bicycle Light Combo Set

Features: Powerful USB rechargeable 800 Lumen headlight and 150 Lumen tail light combo set. Exclusive night and day modes provide enhanced safety (headlight: 9 modes, tail light 6 modes). SteadyPulse alerts with pulses as its overlapping steady beam lights the night; DayLightning’s powerful flashes highlights your presence in daytime. Low battery indicator alerts you when a charge is needed. Lightweight, water resistant design. Click to see this Cygolite Bike Light Combo Set

So there you have it! Can bike lights be too bright? They certainly can and cycle lights are super helpful for keeping you safe on the road but it’s essential to find the right balance of brightness. With suitable front and rear lights and a bit of consideration, you’ll be shining bright without blinding everyone in your path. Don´t forget: “Light has nowhere to hide in the dark” and you and your bike must also not be hidden!

FAQs

• Are flashing bike lights illegal in the UK?

  

  No, they’re legal but should comply with the regulations: provided the light flashes between 60 and 240 times per minute (1-4Hz)…also they shouldn´t be excessively bright or cause discomfort to other road users.

• Is 5000 lumens too bright?

  

  It depends on the situation. For off-road use in complete darkness, 5000 lumens might be necessary. However, for urban cycling, lights this bright can pose safety risks by dazzling other road users.

• When riding at night, how far should your bike light shine?

  

  Aim for enough illumination to see the road clearly in front of you. You should be able to see at least 40 to 60 feet ahead, even more if travelling fast. This will enable you to react in enough time to tackle any surprise hazards.