two hundred forty eight

 LET THERE BE FRONT LIGHT 

I have had this light for years it is an Urban Light & Motion 700 Lumen rechargeable head light. This thing is very bright to light my path and lets other traffic see me. 

I try never to use it other than for camp set up because I try to never ride at night. I have been caught in the dark miles from my destination by not planning well. This is foolhardy and dangerous, I learned that the hard way. 

Night time commuting in a familiar town in the early hours has risk but day after day traveling the same route you memorize the hazards. If you are traveling in the dark on strange streets and highways unseen holes, rocks, loose gravel and wet spots can have serious consequences. Like I said you can reduce the risk by reducing the odds, it is just common sense.

My lights are all rechargeable which has never been an issue away from power they seem to last a very long time. 

Cygolite makes a more powerful light 1400 Lumens. This could help with mountain biking but loaded touring 700 is more than enough. Daytime use on the front is not a bad idea in fact I have used mine set on pulse while navigating busy city traffic. A small 50 lumen hotshot can work on the front during the day.

two hundred forty seven

LET THERE BE REAR LIGHT

  

I have a particular pet peeve about tail lights. There are dozens of types and styles that range from $10 and up.  For some strange reason as I drive my truck to work there is some idiot riding in the bike lane blacked out like it is the world war II blitz. I have actually seen the same person day after day cruising along without a care not realizing how lucky they were being noticed at the last minute. This is one problem that has a simple fix, buy a damn tail light at Walmart!

I guess it is like turn signals there is no real need to use them if you know were you are going. Driving is a group activity and the last I checked bicycles don't have fenders. Assume no one sees you, it only takes one. Commuting to work on familiar streets has risk but traveling long distances multiplies the risk by 10. Strange roads, traffic signals and 100 times the traffic the odds build. A simple fix is bright colors, reflective clothing and lights. 

I found the triangle for days and battery powered lights for night. Now I have a new light by Cygolite Hypershot 350 Lumen day time rechargeable tail light. I know it is an over kill but I can be seen a full mile ahead in the brightest sunlight so I run it all day. These lights have that "what the hell is that?" effect on traffic. It is a strange blink that gets a driver trying to figure out what you are instead of noticing you at the last second. This increases the odds they won't kill you which is a very good thing for you both.