As the days grow shorter, don't get caught without a bike light.

9-52-080(a) Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a head lamp which shall emit a white light visible from a minimum distance of 500 feet from the front and with a rear red reflector capable of reflecting the head lamp beams of an approaching motor vehicle back to the operator of such vehicle at distances up to 200 feet or a rear lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LIGHT - Tips from REI Product Information

The first decide where will you be using your bike light most:commuting where there are streetlights or on unlit roads?

For the safest night-riding, choose both a handlebar and helmet light with the helmet light being the most important since it casts light in the directin your head is pointed.

As a general rule, price equals higher light output.

TYPES OF LIGHTS
A well-lit bike is equipped with lighting front and rear to ensure your visibility to motorists and pedestrians. For commuting or riding after dark your front light needs to be a high-powered lighting system.
? Rechargeable lighting systems: These brilliant light systems help you see where you're going on road in nearly all conditions.
? Rear safety lights: These enhance your visibility to motorists while you're riding at dusk or at night. The main differences in taillights are in mounting options and the number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
? Front safety lights: These help motorists see you from the front in dim light conditions. However, they're not bright enough for serious night riding.

COMPARING LIGHT PERFORMANCE
? LEDs: Light-emitting diodes are power misers, running up to 3 or 4 times longer than halogen bulbs while providing moderate to high levels of illumination. This energy efficiency makes LEDs the predominant light source used in rear and front safety lights. LEDs outlast standard bulbs, too.
? Lumens: A lumen is a unit of measurement of light. It quantifies the amount of light falling on the object you want illuminated. Measured at a uniform distance, a lumen describes the light intensity of each lighting unit. It is equal,to one foot-candle falling on one square foot of area.

POWER SOURCES
? Rechargeable systems: These lights feature nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium ion batteries. They can be charged hundreds of times, making them an inexpensive and environmentally sound alternative to disposable batteries.

RUN TIME / BATTERY LIFE
Battery life depends on the light's battery type, the power of the system and the kind of bulbs in the light. We provide comparative ratings.
Flashing light emits an eye-catching pulse that uses less battery power than a steady beam. Most lights offer flashing and steady modes.
Most high-powered units have multiple settings. This lets you switch between long-lasting, low-power light and bright, high-intensity light that drains battery power more quickly. Most systems let you select a wide range of illumination levels.

MOUNTING OPTIONS
Front safety lights mount on your handlebar. High-powered systems can mount on your handlebar or your helmet.

Rear safety lights can be mounted on your hydration pack, pocket or seatpost.
Battery packs for high-powered lights can be attached to your bike or stowed in a pack. Quick-release hardware lets you easily take your light with you when leaving your bike.