History and Evolution of Bicycle Lighting
– Early bicycle lamps were oil-fueled and manufactured in 1876.
– Acetylene gas lighting for bicycles was introduced in 1896.
– Electric-powered bicycle lamps were manufactured from as early as 1888.
– Lead-acid batteries were initially used, later replaced by dry cells and alkaline batteries.
– Incandescent bulbs were replaced by halogen lamps and then by LEDs.
– Carbide lamps powered by acetylene gas were used for bicycle lighting.
– Oil-fueled lamps required regular maintenance.
– Acetylene gas lamps were very bright but needed regular maintenance.
– Early lamps were manufactured for Ordinary (High-Bicycle) and solid-tired tricycles.
– Acetylene gas lamps for motor-cars became popular in 1899.
Regulations and Guidelines for Bicycle Lighting
– The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 and subsequent amendments outline the regulations for bicycle lights.
– The regulations require a white front light, a red rear light, a red rear reflector, and amber/yellow pedal reflectors.
– Reflectors must conform to BS 6102/2 or an equivalent European standard.
– Lights with a steady mode must conform to BS 6102/3 or an equivalent European standard.
– Additional lights can be fitted as long as they meet color and flashing rate requirements.
Importance and Safety Benefits of Bicycle Lighting
– Bicycle lighting is crucial for the safety of cyclists.
– Proper lighting increases visibility and reduces the risk of accidents.
– Studies have shown that cyclists with lights are more noticeable to drivers.
– Adequate lighting allows cyclists to see and be seen in low light conditions.
– Many countries have regulations requiring bicycles to have lights.
– Research has shown that bicycle lights reduce the risk of collisions.
– Static and dynamic taillights improve nighttime conspicuity.
– Permanent running lights on bicycles have been found to increase safety.
– Proper lighting can help prevent accidents caused by low visibility.
– Well-lit bicycles are more likely to be noticed by drivers and pedestrians.
Types of Bicycle Lighting
– Front lights: Illuminate the path ahead and make cyclists visible to oncoming traffic.
– Rear lights: Alert drivers and other cyclists to the presence of a bicycle from behind.
– Reflectors: Passive devices that reflect light, enhancing visibility.
– LED lights: Energy-efficient and long-lasting lighting option for bicycles.
– Dynamo lights: Powered by a dynamo attached to the bicycle, eliminating the need for batteries.
Power Supplies for Bicycle Lighting
– Batteries: Low self-discharge NiMH batteries made rechargeable AA and AAA batteries more viable.
– Dynamo systems: Require no batteries and can be permanently fitted to the bike.
– Output and optics: Dynamos are generally limited to about 3 W of output power.
– Magnetic Lights: Self-powered via electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for batteries or dynamo systems.
– Supplementary Lighting and Visibility: Headlamps, reflective materials, and wheel-mounted lights enhance visibility.
– Reflective and High-Visibility Materials: Retro-reflective materials make cyclists visible to other road users.
– Wheel-Mounted Lights: Improve bike visibility from the side and create glowing arcs or circles. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_lighting
This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
|
Bicycle lighting is illumination attached to bicycles whose purpose above all is, along with reflectors, to improve the visibility of the bicycle and its rider to other road users under circumstances of poor ambient illumination. A secondary purpose is to illuminate reflective materials such as cat's eyes and traffic signs. A third purpose may be to illuminate the roadway so that the rider can see the way ahead. Serving the latter purposes require much more luminous flux and thus more power.
Many jurisdictions require one or more bicycle lights to be fitted to bicycles ridden at night — generally a white light in the front and a red light at the back, like with other vehicles.