Bike laws vary from state to state. However, as a general rule of thumb, most states require you to ensure that you are visible on the roads if you are riding your bike after the sun has gone down or before the sun has set. There are many different ways that you can make your bike visible, including using a headlight, placing reflective tape on your bike, and mounting rear bike lights. Even if it is not legally required in your state, making your bike visible can help drivers to see you on the road, which can help you to stay safe when you are riding your bike at dusk or before dawn. If you are looking to make your bike more visible, you may be looking to mount rear bike lights. Read on to learn more about mounting bike lights.
Where Can You Mount Rear Bike Lights On a Bike?
When you are looking to mount a rear bike light to the back of the seat, there are two primary places where the light can easily be mounted. Most people mount their rear bike lights either on the back of the seat post or on the backside of the bike rack. Anytime you are looking to mount a rear bike light on the back of your bike, you need to take into consideration the size of the light you are using, the type of mount you are using, and the shape of your bike. Taking all of these things into account will help you to determine where you should mount your rear bike light.
Once you have decided where to mount your light, you should mount your light and then sit on the back of your bike. Ensure that the light does not interfere with your comfort while sitting on the bike. Additionally, have a friend or family member stand behind you and see if they can see the light while you are sitting on the bike. The light may have to be repositioned, as your body may obstruct the light depending on where it is positioned. Play around with the position until you are sure that the light can be seen and that you are comfortable while riding.
What Factors Should You Consider When Deciding How to Mount Rear Bike Lights?
When you are looking to mount a rear bike light, you will likely either use a hard mount bracket or a quick connect bracket. A hard mount bracket is adhered into place and is more permanent, whereas a quick connect bracket snaps into place, usually snapping directly onto the bar on the underside of your seat or the frame of your bike. If you often ride with bags, you may need to change the position of your bracket. In this case, a quick connect bracket makes more sense, as it allows you to easily change the position of the light based on the baggage you have with you. If you do not ride with bags and you want your light to be mounted in the same spot, a hard mount bracket makes the most sense for you. It is also important to note that if you ride with a large amount of baggage, and that baggage obstructs the rear light, you may want to get a clip to attach the light directly on the backside of your bags, rather than on your bike.
What Are the Benefits of Mounting a Rear Light on Your Bike?
One of the questions that people often ask is what the benefits of mounting a rear light on a bike are. The number one benefit associated with mounting a rear light on your bike is that other drivers can see you from behind in the dark. If you mount a light on the front of your bike, you are able to illuminate the road in front of you, while also helping drivers coming from the opposite direction you are heading see you. However, that front light is not visible to drivers who may be behind you. If you travel in dark areas during dark times of the day or night, mounting a rear light helps more people to see you, which ultimately increases your safety when you are out riding your bike.
What Should You Consider When Selecting Rear Lights to Mount on Your Bike?
If you are looking to select a rear light to mount on your bike, there are many factors that you need to consider. One of the first things to consider is how the battery is powered. Most bike lights are either powered using batteries or can be rechargable. Decide if you want a rechargeable light or a light that uses batteries.
Another important factor to consider as you go about selecting a rear light to mount on your bike is how bright the light is and how far away it can be seen. LED lights are often the brightest and are most visible from far away. Also, consider the weather and outdoor elements where you live. If you live in an area with fog, you may want fog lights.
Finally, you need to consider the light pattern. Some lights flash every second, while other lights have different flashing or blinking patterns. Some bike riders are distracted by these blinking patterns, so you need to find a pattern that does not bother you or distract you while you are riding your bicycle.
Adding lights to a bike can be beneficial, and may be required by law, depending on where you live. Mounting rear bike lights helps drivers, joggers and other bicyclists to see you from behind when you are going on a bike ride before the sun rises or after the sun has set. There are many different lights you can select from, so take your time to select the correct light and then ensure it is properly mounted where it can easily be seen, to ensure you receive the full benefits associated with mounting a rear bike light to the back of your bike.
