How to Make Headlights for a Bike

boy mountain bike lake reservoir sunset bicycle image by david hughes from Fotolia.com

Bike headlights allow you to be seen by automobile drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists when you ride after dark. A headlight mounted to your helmet gives you the flexibility to move your light from side to side. Turning your head can alert cars waiting on side streets who may not have seen your light when it was shining straight ahead. Become familiar with the night-riding laws in your neighborhood, because many cities have light requirements beyond a basic headlight.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Headlamp
Industrial strength Sticky-back Velcro
Helmet
Scissors
Needle and thread
Superglue

Step 1

Purchase a hiking headlamp that will be bright enough to meet any minimum lighting requirements in your area.

Step 2

Cut the back of the strap of your headlamp down the middle, using scissors. If the headlamp also comes with a strap that goes across the top of your head, cut this off completely.

Step 3

Push the adhesive side of one end of the Velcro to your headlamp.

Step 4

Cut the Velcro with scissors so it extends beyond the actual light and onto the head strap a couple of inches on both sides.

Step 5

Stick the other side of Velcro to the front and center of your helmet. Use the headlamp with its Velcro as a guide so you know how much Velcro to cut and attach to the helmet.

Step 6

Velcro the headlamp to your helmet. Line up the two sides of Velcro and make sure the headlamp sits snugly in place.

Step 7

Thread the two sides of the head strap through the front vents of your helmet. Weave them through so they join back together on the inside of your helmet.

Step 8

Trim the two Velcro sides so there are only a couple of inches of overlap when you bring the sides together.

Step 9

Reattach the two points of the head strap tightly. While the Velcro should be strong enough to hold the headlamp, these straps will serve as a backup and add stability. You can use another piece of Velcro, or a needle and thread to attach these two pieces. Superglue may work well on some head straps.

Tips & Warnings

Because the back of the headlamp isn't always flat, extending the Velcro onto the strap will provide more stability when you attach it to your helmet.

The adhesive side of the industrial strength Velcro will stick firmly to both the helmet and your headlamp.

Resources

Bicycle Commuter's Guide

Article Written By Kathrine Cole

Kathrine Cole is a professional outdoor educator. She teaches rock climbing, backpacking, cycling, and bike maintenance classes. She is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, a Wilderness First Responder, and a Leave No Trace Trainer.

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