Daylights: Increasing Your Daytime Cycling Visibility

My Vespertine Vesp brightens these darker cycling pieces and can be used for walking and running.

Most of my cycling is done along the bucolic roads that wind past the horse farms and pastures of central New Jersey. There are times, however that I commute along busier highways where bike lanes and protected paths are virtually unknown. I do my best to make myself visible to traffic and since I mostly ride in the daytime hours, have gotten into the habit of wearing bright clothing (or my bright vest, the Vesp by Vespertine NYC) and using bright lights on my helmet and bicycle.

My Nishiki with Megalert Horn and 3W Headlight

Bicycle Headlights
The point is to remember to keep it bright during the daylight hours and especially on cloudy days. Lights that are bright enough to be seen in full sun are preferable as they can offer an extra layer of visibility in traffic. Different bicycles have different needs of course and the bicycle that I ride most for commuting is my Nishiki Sport Touring.

It's half road - half touring frame allows me to have a bit more speed and less weight than most commuters. I have enough space for an electronic horn, light and camera. My computer hitches a ride on my top bar. During the day I ride with a flashing 3W Rechargeable LED Headlight from Bright Ideas.
I have upgraded to another headlight Bright Ideas also carries which is even brighter, the 3,000

Cree 3,000 Lumen Headlight at night on my Nishiki

Lumen Cree LED.

Like the 3W I was using, it is rechargeable but lighter, brighter and more compact. I have moved the battery pack from the handlebars to the seat post which gives me better access to the brakes. The Cree 3K Lumen Bicycle Headlight has four modes: Low, Medium, High Beam and Strobe. It is insanely bright and now I'm not concerned about riding at night in the country where there are often no street lights.

While I'm talking about Bright Ideas LLC, this company is dedicated to providing bright lights and reflective wear for both pedestrians and cyclists at an affordable price. I've even given some of their blinkie lights away to neighbors.

Planet Bike's super powerful Blaze 2W Micro Headlight fits between my road bike's aero bars.

Planet Bike Blaze 2W Micro HeadLight
The bicycle that I ride most for sport is my Terry Symmetry road bike. With aero bars installed there is little room for much more than a thumb bell and a small headlight. I don't train at night so this light is specifically for daytime riding safety. The Blaze 2 Watt LED Micro is many times brighter than a standard LED. It has a high and low beam and a Superflash Mode I use during my ride. Very easy to mount with no tools needed and will run up to 64 hours on flashing. Batteries came with this light and it was ready to rock right out of the box with genuine Cree XRE Powered LEDs.

My Terry Symmetry Road Bicycle

Running headlights during the day either flashing or steady can help drivers be aware of your presence at intersections and when oncoming traffic turns into your lane. I've noticed drivers waiting and letting me go first when they are coming in the opposite direction at a cross street or light.

Bicycle Tail Lights - DiNotte Lighting's Daytime Red
Seriously, this is the business end of your bicycle. You might be able to avoid trouble with cars you can see approaching but what about those you can't? I do look over my left shoulder and even have a mirror mounted at the end of my drop bars but come on! I always ride with my red tail light flashing away but you never quite know what the driver sees (or doesn't) from behind.

Coach Russ, a California based athlete and running coach who was himself hit by a car while road training told me about DiNotte's Daytime Red. These lights are made in the USA and offer top quality LEDs and electronics. The light remembers your last setting so you don't have to cycle through each time to find your favorite mode. The only trade off is that since these lights run at such a high intensity, the charge doesn't last very long (even in the flashing mode). What's worse is there is no power indicator as is present on my 3W and 3K Lumen rechargeable headlights from Bright Ideas. You go to use the light and it's just drained with no heads up. Kind of a bummer since everything else about the Daytime Red is first rate.

DiNotte Daytime Red lashed onto the top of my DR2 Trunk Bag

I personally chose the Daytime Red because that's primarily when I ride. I left the other tail lights on my bag for night time use as the Daytime Red is much too bright. However for the purpose, it is amazing. As soon as took a spin with it, cars behind me began slowing down and then went around me when it was safe to pass. It was obvious that they SAW me and from quite a distance away. A car doing 40 mph needs more time to react in order to brake. If they can see you from further away, they are going to give themselves (and you) a better chance of avoiding collision. You can check all the technical details of the Daytime Red 400R at their link but this is the brightest tail light available and perfect for daytime rides where you need to be seen. I've just started using this light and can already see a HUGE difference in my daytime riding experience.

DiNotte Daytime Red in flash-mode in broad sunlight.

Bags for Your Bike Commute

Put some SPRING in your commute with these Freemonster Flap Poppy Panniers from Detours

How about shaking off some of that "blah" from winter? Living in the New York City-Metro area means enduring pretty dismal winters and cold temperatures.  If you've had to shelve your bicycle due to inclement weather, how about greeting spring with a celebration?

A set of new bicycle panniers can lift your spirits and do wonders for your bicycle ride or commute. Along with picking out some fresh transitional pieces as shown in the Fashions for Bicycling & Walking Video, your bicycle can also make a statement. Not only that, bright high viz colors are a good idea for those of us who routinely ride in traffic. Be stylish but be seen!  Here are a few bright ideas you might want to try on your bicycle this spring.

Detours Freemonster Flap Panniers

They will definitely see you coming with these day-glow orange panniers (with artist poppies no less), but the details will reveal this bag was designed by someone who actually bike-commutes.
The Freemonster Flap Panniers have a soft construction with a magnetic clasp.  I especially like the roominess of these. The interior has a mesh pouch and a protective pocket for your iPad. What I really like is how the built in rain covers magically appear out of a bottom zippered compartment.  Genius!  These easily clip off your rack and transform into a serious shopping/tote bag, replete with carry strap. They are somewhat tapered at the bottom so I haven't had a problem with kicking during my ride. I think the best part is the smiles people give you when you're riding around town with these.

Add the shoulder strap and your tote is ready.

Basil Elements Fashion Shoulder Bag 

Basil's Elements Fashion Shoulder Bag's hidden rack clips.

The Netherlands is perhaps the best testing ground you're going to find for bicycle commuter products. They take their rides seriously and the equipment is very sturdy for daily use.  I like the idea of hanging clasps that while secure, allow me to easily lift the pannier off to take into the store or office.

Hanging Clips
This sort of clip on the rack and ride situation is fantastic for bicycle commuters who wish to remain incognito about their transportation choices.


The Elements Fashion Shoulder Bag IS a completely appointed handbag. Yet it's rack riding capacity's secret is safe with you thanks to a zippered compartment that hides the hardware. The hanging feature of both the Detours and Basil Bags makes them my top choices for bicycle commutes in suburban and especially urban areas.

Basil NL Elements Fashion Shoulder Bag with hanging rack clips!

Front Bags  
Some of us like to carry our things up front in a basket or bag.  In New York City, I often see other women with their handbag in a huge front wire basket.  I can't help but think, "Man that's a LOT of weight up front!"  With so much pressure over your front wheel, steering can get a bit squirrely.  You can have your cake and eat it too with these new front bags that double as shoulder bags.

Basil Forrest Front Bag

I like this bag because it is so well made and easy to detach thanks to Basil's revolutionary clasp system. It is actually built like a vinyl covered basket, (you can see the frame inside) but is lighter than most standard wire baskets.

However, unlike a metal basket, you don't have to worry about this one rusting out or exposing your cargo to the elements. The Forrest Front Bag is completely water-proof with a removable clear shield on top for your route map. The top secures with two snaps and there is a little zippered pouch inside to separate your keys, money and cell. It comes with a strap the clips on quickly.  Max weight for this front bag is 5 kgs or about 11 lbs.


Detours Sodo Front Bag

The Sodo Front Bag is very well constructed and you have to love the distinguished herring bone pattern. This bag has a secure iPhone / iPod cover which can also be used to hold maps.  It has a quick release plaque up front and a carry strap to take it with you off the bicycle.

The fabric and styling on this front bag makes it look more like a shoulder bag off the bicycle. In fact I think it would be perfect for students traveling to high school or commuting on a college campus.  Lots of room, well appointed and easy to snap on and off the bicycle. This is really what you want! Nothing is worse than standing there struggling with your panniers or front bag when you need to be somewhere...quick.  I've ridden with these all of these bags and found them to be tight, secure and simple to remove.  Any one of them will be a welcome addition to your next bicycle commute or ride.

Detour's Sodo Front Bag doubling as a shoulder bag.

   
 

Bike to School-Back to School

Taking the NYC Bike Path: Students can take advantage of the early fall weather to bicycle to school.

While it's officially the end of summer, September also marks when school is back in session.  We often get a few weeks of warm weather that many call Indian Summer that makes bicycling to school quite appealing.  If your child's school or college campus has bicycle racks you're in!  Even so, here are a few essentials for your child's bike to school commute:

Detour's Sodo Front Bag - Schwinn Solitaire

Check List of Bicycle to School Gear:

Easy to work lock with key or combination

Cool bicycle helmet (let THEM pick it out)

LED Head & Tail Lights for the Bicycle

Detachable Front Bag and or Panniers for Books & Lunch

A Comfortable Bicycle (Schwinn Hybrids are hot now)

A Bell or Horn

Thermal Water Bottle (Polar Bottle comes in lots of designs)

Pants clip to cinch up the right leg if there's no chain guard 


Ride in With Your Child
Depending on many factors: distance, bicycle lane accessibility, morning traffic and your child's age, you may choose to ride along with them to school.  This is a great time to get in some early morning exercise for yourself while setting an example of fitness for your child.  Trust me, they take note of this!  If you get out there, they will too.  Teach your young-un to do a brief check over of tires, brakes, etc. and hit the road.

Basil Panniers are sturdy and hold a lot for school

Your child may like a neon colored lid like this Lazer Helium.

Healthier Lifestyle Choices
Childhood obesity is on the rise and for the first time we are seeing even pre-teens with adult onset or Type II diabetes.  You may not be able to change everyone else but you can change how you and your family live.  Top off this healthy life style by packing them a super lunch.  Bicycling burns serious calories and you may find your child to be very appreciative of nutritious menus without much whining.  Cycling has that effect on picky eaters.

Be sure to pack a healthy lunch & snacks...your child will need it!

Check with your local school system as some have received special materials or grants to assist children in bicycling to school.  If your child or you are in college, look for help at the student center or commuter center which may have special programs to assist your ride in and around campus.  I road a bicycle when I attended college and put off getting a car until well after I was no longer on campus.  I had only $200 in student loans which I immediately paid off without much difficulty.  

Save Gas: Bike Commuting Basics

A necessary comfort on any bike commute.  A hot container of coffee in a Portland Design Works Bar-ista cup holder.

Have you had enough yet?  As of this post gas is about $3.65 a gallon in the Tri-State area and quickly headed to $5.  "These are the times that try men's souls."  You got that right, PAINE.  What's your motivation?  Spring is in the air and Bike to School Week is coming up in April with its parent Bike to Work Month in May.  Get a few essentials and be on the road blasting past those over-priced gas stations in style.

BIKE COMMUTING 101

NYC Bike Path - Downtown Chelsea

Well, first you'll need a bicycle. You don't need anything fancy or with a lot of gears at first because just to start out, you'll only be doing local errands.  That's right.  You've got to roll before you can fly and short errands by bike is by far the best way to get your tires wet. Besides most Americans still make trips under 4 miles in their cars. 

CYCLE CLOTHING
Notice the people riding here on the NYC Bike Path.  They have pretty ordinary bikes, some with fenders which help with puddle splashes but they are wearing regular clothes folks.  
If you are wearing pants, you might want to cinch up the right leg so it stays out of your chain BUT if you've got a chain guard on that thing...pfffft.  You're not doing a century (100 mile ride) so don't worry about investing in a cycling kit like Lance.  However when you're ready, Terry Bicycles makes some very chic urban cycling clothes for women riders that work well both on and off the bike. In the meantime think "stretch fabric" for the clothes you choose to ride in.

HANDLEBAR & SEAT BAGS

The Pouch by Linus Bikes 
 
If you're a minimalist, you can get away with attaching a little bag like this to your handlebars or even your seat rails.  Leather straps secure it in place and brass snaps keep your stuff from bouncing out.

These were most often seen on those beautiful Brooks leather saddles which adorn classic fixed gear bikes.  You can certainly go that route but a bag like this can hold a medical kit, a patch or bike tools in case you break down.  Yes, that does happen.

Here is The Pouch attached to the saddle rails of my little Green Zone Folding Bike of the NYC Bike Path Film fame.

In NYC slinging a handbag over your handlebars can earn you a quick ticket (ok maybe not a Hermès).  Still, it's uncomfortable and distracting to try to ride with things like your iPod, keys and whatnot in your pockets.  A little seat bag frees you from all that and can be removed from the bike. Placed on the handlebars or seat rails, it's one accessory every commuter bike should have. 



MESSENGER BAGS

C.F. Martin & Co. Laptop Messenger Bag

Many people already own some version of a messenger bag (primarily as a fashion statement) because they are quite versatile and well...cool.  You don't have to be a messenger to use one but it helps. These things are notorious for sliding off and shifting unexpectedly.

This messenger bag by C.F. Martin & Co. however, has a few tricks going for it such as retractable shoulder straps converting into a much more stable backpack.  This bag also has plenty of room for your laptop, papers and has a water bottle sleeve.  Lots of handy compartments to organize your desk on the go plus a comfortable shoulder strap.

BICYCLE TRUNK BAGS

The D2R & Highway 1 Blend Coffee Dry Bag both by Detours

If you have a bicycle with a rear rack, you're already way ahead of the game.  That's because you can strap a trunk, panniers or even a basket to that rascal to haul way more than a pouch or messenger bag.  

The handy bottle holder on the D2R

Remember, you're goal is only doing short, local errands.  I'm talking about 8 miles round trip or less.  The post office, the library, the bank, the local convenience store.  You won't need large bags for those trips but you will need something to hold a few energy bars, an extra shirt and how about this, a container of hot coffee!

Taking a Detour... on my bike commute.  Detours D2R Trunk Bag

Speaking from experience (25 years +), a trunk bag is going to become your best biking buddy.  Having too much weight on the front handlebars as with large metal baskets can make steering more difficult and also cause a lot of drag up front.  The solution is to stow more weight in the rear (not yours).

Detours D2R Trunk Bag is the best made trunk bag I've seen in a long time.  The no-fuss clips securely attach to just about any rear rack, (I have a Blackburn) and it comes with a comfortable shoulder strap for off the bike use. If your bike doesn't have a water bottle holder or cage, the D2R has one that will easily accommodate a 20oz Polar Bottle or a 16oz Klean Kanteen.  The D2R has reflective accents all around and a light loop for a rear blinkie, both important items for night rides.  This Detours Trunk Bag also has two side zip pockets and an expandable main compartment.  Along with my TechWind panniers, it is very aerodynamic.  The D2R also has a removable rain cover.  I keep it in the side pocket with the shoulder strap so it's ready to go. 

Be Safe 
You'll need lights both front and rear to ride at night and ALWAYS wear a lid such as Lazer Helmet's NEW Hi-Viz Helium in Flashing Fluro Yellow.  Also be sure to have your name, emergency numbers and medical directives  taped inside your helmet or order Road ID's cool The FIXX dog tags.  These also come in wrist bands and hold a lot of helpful information to speak for you if you can't.
  
Commuting and doing short trips by bicycle is one the best things you can do for your health, your community and the environment. Now with gas prices reaching an all time high, you can finally do something for your wallet too.