What lighting for safe bikepacking?

In urban areas, cyclists face a growing dilemma: saving energy while remaining visible. Reducing street lighting, while beneficial for the environment, increases the risk for cyclists. In nature, the challenge is different, but just as crucial: to equip themselves with lighting powerful enough to navigate safely on unlit trails.

Figures published at the end of January 2023 by the national interministerial observatory for road safety highlight a worrying reality. Of the 3,541 people who lost their lives in road accidents in 2022, 244 were cyclists. This represents an alarming increase of over 30% in fatal accidents and serious injuries involving cyclists since 2019.

The French Federation of Bicycle Users (Fédération française des usagers de la bicyclette - FUB) highlights the glaring lack of safe facilities for cyclists: "these figures are in line with the reality experienced by cyclists across the country of a lack of facilities to make cycling safe, whether in terms of cycle lanes or calmed itineraries".

These statistics underline the vital importance of good lighting for cyclists. Not only does it improve visibility, it also plays a major role in accident prevention. Bikepackers should therefore choose their equipment with care, giving preference to lamps offering a good beam of light, sufficient autonomy, and adapted to various night conditions.

Before embarking on the nocturnal adventure of bikepacking, it's essential to master the lingo, especially when it comes to lighting. Here's a little glossary to shed some light (no pun intended! 🤣 ) on the most common technical terms:

• Lumens: Unit of measurement for the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light. Indispensable for evaluating the power of a bicycle light.
• Lux: Measure of luminous intensity, indicating how many lumens are projected onto a surface. High lux means better visibility on the road or trails.
• Dynamo: A system that converts mechanical energy into electricity to power the bike's lights. Practical, it recharges as you pedal.
• Hub: The central part of a bicycle wheel where a dynamo can sometimes be installed. Hub dynamos are discreet and efficient, providing a constant source of energy for lighting.
• Blinder: Term designating a type of very powerful bicycle lighting, designed to be extremely visible. Perfect for being seen from a distance and in low-light conditions.
• LED: Light-emitting diodes, used in most modern bicycle lights. They are appreciated for their low energy consumption, long life and high luminosity.

This glossary, far from being exhaustive, covers the basics for navigating the bright world of bikepacking. Each term is a key element in choosing the right lighting for your needs.

Here's an exhaustive (normally 😅) checklist of bikepacking lighting to illuminate the road, the trails, and even beyond (the usual evening poker at the bivouac? 😉 ).

• Bike lights: for optimum visibility, lights, particularly Knog's products, offer a varied range, from powerful handlebar-mounted lights to more discreet but equally effective rear-mounted options. Available from Alltricks, they're perfect for being seen on any road.
• Wheel lights: Make your bike visible from all angles. LED lights mounted on the spokes or around the hub create a visually impressive effect.
• Helmet lights: For those looking for a more direct view and head-movement oriented lighting, this is ideal. Some models even feature USB technology for easy recharging.
• Headlamp: Indispensable for clear vision, even off-road (a little wood to fetch for a nice fire? 🔥 ). The Petzl models also available on Alltricks are renowned for their lightness and power.

Beyond this list, for even longer excursions (we're talking bikepacking, aren't we 💪), considering the addition of advanced technologies can make all the difference. Lamps with a USB power supply, for example, aren't just gadgets for technophiles; they represent a practical, multifunctional way of combining lighting and recharging.

For really extended outings, an external battery becomes a faithful companion for staying away from the dark. It ensures extended autonomy, so bikepacking adventurers never run out of light. Whether you opt for minimalist lighting or a full arsenal, every element contributes to a successful night-time experience.

Now how do you make sure all those lights shine where they're supposed to, when they're supposed to? Here are a few practical tips for efficient and safe bike lighting installation.

Firstly, the choice of mount is crucial. Each type of bike, whether gravel, road or electric, has its own specificities. For gravel bikes, for example, opting for sturdy mounts capable of withstanding rough terrain is a wise decision. Electric bikes, with their often thicker frames, require specific mountings.

The weight of the lighting is another factor not to be overlooked. Heavier lighting requires a stronger support to remain stable (and bigger calves to push 🥵 ). Correctly balancing the weight of the lighting also contributes to better bike handling.

Finally, the installation must allow for easy handling. It's important to be able to change lighting mode quickly, depending on road conditions or visibility. Having easy access to the mode change button, without having to let go of the handlebars, is priceless for safety.