When the sun sets, your bike lights become your most important safety feature. They not only help you see the road ahead but also make sure drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists can see you. Choosing the right bike light can feel confusing, with lumens, lux, candela, and IP ratings to consider but this guide will break it down clearly so you can ride safely after dark.
Legal Requirements in the UK
By law, you must use bike lights after dark. The Highway Code states that cyclists need:
- A white front light visible from 500 feet
- A red rear light
- A red rear reflector
- Amber pedal reflectors for bikes manufactured after October 1985
- Additional reflectors on wheels or spokes are also recommended
It’s important to be aware that helmet-mounted lights alone don’t count as your legal front light.
How Bright Should Your Lights Be? Lumens Explained
Bike lights are measured in lumens which describes how bright the light is. For example:
- A candle is around 10-15 lumens
- A smartphone torch is around 40-50
- A standard incandescent bulb is around 800
- A car headlight on high beam is around 1200-1700
The recommended levels of lumens for cyclists:
| Lumens | Best For |
| 0-100 | Rear lights or daytime visibility only |
| 100-200 | Minimum lumens for front light in daylight |
| 200-300 | Urban commuting on well-lit streets |
| 300-500 | Standard commuting and general use |
| 500-800 | Rural roads and faster cycling |
| 800-1200 | Mountain biking and dark country lanes |
| 1200+ | High speed MTB and extreme conditions |
Types of Bike Lights: What to Choose
Choosing the right bike lights depends on your riding style, environment, and budget. Here are the main types you should consider:
1. Front Lights
- Flood beam: Wide coverage, ideal for trails and dark roads
- Spot beam: Focused light, better for urban commuting
- Dual beam systems: Offer both visibility and depth perception
2. Rear Lights
- Flashing red LEDs are most effective for visibility
- Mount on seat posts, panniers or rear racks
- Consider lights with motion sensors or brake detection
3. Helmet Lights
- Provide directional lighting based on head movement
- Useful for spotting signs, junctions or wildlife
4. Side Visibility
- Reflective wheel spoke lights
- Frame-mounted LEDs
- Reflective decals and clothing
Lux, Candela, and Ingress Protection
Other words to look out for when purchasing your bike lights are lux, candela and ingress protection.
- Lux is how far and wide the beam spreads
- Candela is how bright the light is at its most focused point
You should take these terms into consideration if you’re choosing between a wide beam which is better for trails or a focused beam which is better for road cycling.
Bike lights are also given an ingress protection (IP) rating. The first digit tells you how much protected the light is from dust on a scale of 0-6. The second digit relates to how water resistant it is on a scale of 0-8.
A light labelled IP64 means its both dust-tight and resistant to splashes of water. For year-round UK cycling, IP64+ is a safe choice.
Battery Life and Modes
As the brighter your light is, the faster it’s likely to drain you should look for the following:
- Eco or flashing mode which are good for city use
- High beams for unlit country lanes
- Rechargeable USB options for convenience
You should also check how the lights attach to your bike and how you can access the battery compartment when they’re attached. Always carry spare batteries or a backup light incase your light does run out.
Bicycle Insurance from Cover4Cycles
Cycling after dark brings added risks, whether it’s reduced visibility, unexpected road hazards or increased chances of theft. That’s why a bicycle insurance policy from Cover4Cycles is a no brainer; it’s the perfect complement to your bike lights, helping ensure your rides stay safe and protected at any hour.
In Summary
Choose the right lumen level for your riding style, make sure your lights are waterproof, and always carry a backup. With the right setup, you can cycle confidently and safely after dark.