City night cycling dangers

[TraceyG]

I had to go to Melbourne last night - drove part of the way, took the tram into the city for the last leg. Heading home after 11.30pm, I was surprised to see a number of cyclists on the roads. No big deal, I regularly ride in the dark myself.

However, I was stunned to notice that most of them had inadequate lighting, and in a number of cases, no lighting at all! As a cyclist, I am very aware of other cyclists when I have to drive, but I was left shaking my head last night at just how dangerous these cyclists were making it for themselves.

So, just a plea to those who enjoy around the clock riding, please do as much as you can to make yourselves as visible to other road users as possible. You will have a much greater chance of living to ride another day!

[il padrone]

I doubt any of those cyclists will be looking on here.

The same scenario is what I observe every week when I go into the city for our cycling club's weekly meeting. There are large numbers riding with no lights at all or very inadequate lights. I think there is an attitude that riding a bike is just like walking (many of these riders will routinely jump onto the footpath). The inner city main streets are so well lit that they can see very well without a light, and assume drivers will see them easily too. Pedestrians don't need lights after all.

Not saying this is correct, just that I think it is the attitude of these riders.

[TraceyG]

Exactly what I was thinking.

Interestingly, one cyclist who was well-lit was actually riding on the footpath. I thought he was doing so as a matter of self-preservation.

[jules21]

they're usually missing another piece of equipment too.. one whose name i dare not utter in any thread except one..

[il padrone]

Actually no, most of the ones I see are diligently helmeted.... just no lights on in the black of night. Go figure