As police forces around the country crack down on cyclists riding without lights at night, spare a thought for those committing the same offence on British roads over one hundred years ago.
According to Pearson’s magazine in 1901: Sometimes a cyclist needs protection from the arm of the law, as when he finds himself many miles from home at lighting-up time, and without a lamp. Many and ingenious are the devices which cyclists have been known to adopt on such occasions of pressing need. A Chinese lantern, if obtainable, and a bit of candle will save the situation; though I cannot recommend the idea of the man who collected all the glow-worms he could find on the roadside, and carried them triumphantly before him in a handkerchief in place of a lamp!
Modern LED lights may be a friendlier and brighter alternative to a handkerchief full of glow worms – the most powerful of the latest crop of LED, Xenon strobe and high-intensity discharge (HID) bicycle lights are more powerful than a car headlight – but they are nowhere near as efficient; almost 100 per cent of the energy input by the insect is turned into light, compared to the best light-emitting diodes at around 22 per cent.
Pimp your ride
A company has developed a neon strip lighting system for bicycles that can be positioned to provide all-round illumination.
The Down Low Glow lights come in a variety of colours and are similar to the kits fitted sometimes seen fitted to cars, but feature shatterproof thermoplastic tubes for safety and rechargeable batteries for power.
A spokesperson from the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Flashing lights help cyclists stand out, but these neon lights help make sure you seen from all angles – they are great fun, too.”
Kits start at around £82 and can be ordered directly form the manufacturer in America via Rock the bike.
I’ve seen the light – fully-comp cycle insurance
Every cycle insurance policy from the ETA covers against theft, vandalism and accidental damage (even at race events) and includes third party insurance, personal accident cover, bicycle breakdown cover and more.
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