Homemade Bicycle Lights

cycling image by Imre Forgo from Fotolia.com

Bike lights keep you visible to cars during night rides. A rear red light alerts cars behind you of your presence. Bike shops carry an array of rear lights, but it's possible to make your own. Before you hit the streets with your new light, learn the lighting requirements for your city. Many cities mandate bike lights during low light hours and it's important that your bike lights fall within regulation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Red blinking light
Scissors
Industrial strength sticky-back Velcro
Velcro strap

Step 1

Purchase a red blinking light. You can find inexpensive red lights at places like a dollar store or even pick one up for free at a bike event. These will be similar in size to the lights you find at a bike shop. Unlike bike shop lights, these red lights will not come with a mount to attach them to your bike. They also will not be as powerful, but will still provide visibility.

Step 2

Attach industrial-strength sticky-back Velcro to the back of the light. Use scissors to cut the Velcro so it extends the width of the light. You want as much surface area covered as possible so it adheres strongly when it's time to attach it to the Velcro strap. Peel off the cover from the sticky side of the Velcro and press it firmly onto the back of the light.

Step 3

Attach the opposite side of the sticky-back Velcro to the front of the Velcro strap. Make sure this second side of the sticky-back Velcro matches the length of the Velcro on the light. Peel off the cover of the sticky side and attach it to the Velcro strap. Attach the red light to the Velcro strap by connecting the two pieces of Velcro.

Step 4

Attach the Velcro strap with the red light onto your bike's seatpost. Wrap the Velcro strap around the seatpost, making sure to keep the red light facing away from your bike. Pull the strap tightly so it can't shift while you ride.

Resources

Bicycling Life: 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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