Top tips for parents and carers to help keep their child seen when cycling at night
Bicycle lights
Its important to have a good set of lights that work and to check them regularly. Its also illegal not to have lights on your bike when cycling in the dark. White lights for the front of the bike and red for the rear. We recommend at least 800 lumens. Ask your child to keep spare batteries in the back pack too, just in case.
Reflectors
Most bikes come with reflectors fitted to the front and back of the bike, and on both wheels, however these aren’t sufficient on their own. You should check that they are big enough, aren’t obscured by clothing whilst you are riding, and are not cracked or covered with mud, as this will prevent them from reflecting headlights effectively, which could be dangerous. As with lights, reflectors should be red at the rear and white at the front so people know which direction you are travelling in. Wheel reflectors should be white.
Bright clothing
Hi vis jackets or vests are ideal, but your child might be against wearing them as they’re not the most fashionable. Therefore a hi vis reflective back pack for their school bag might be an option. If you buy a cycling jacket it is likely to already have reflective areas on it. Hi vis gloves are also another way to add some extra safety.
Helmet
It’s important for your child to always wear a helmet when cycling. Reflective strips can be added to the helmet if it doesn’t have them already. Help your child get excited about their own safety by suggesting that they decorate their helmet and bike with reflective stickers.
Following these tips can help your child be seen by other road users.