Lights and Safety
Bicycle lights offer both practical and safety enhancements. Chicago ordinance requires basic lighting fitment for bicycles used in the city (see citation below), but it falls far short of what can be achieved with the affordable, reliable options we always keep in stock.
When riding in the city we typically run lights both day and night on our own bikes—flashing or strobe in the day, solid or pulse at night--because there's no reason to give someone the excuse that they didn't see you on the street. Our wide array of lights offers both rechargeable and dynamo powered options. What's the difference? For bicycle touring and longer commutes nothing beats a dynamo light setup. Modern dyno hubs are super reliable and low-drag, so you'll hardly notice they're there. The lights themselves are incredibly efficient and high-output, some up to 100 Lux. The reassurance of knowing you always have light when you need it is unbeatable when you're stuck out on the road after dark. We have extensive experience with dynamo systems and are happy to show you what's possible. Feel free to stop in for a demonstration of the different styles, and please stay visible on the street! We stock USB rechargeable lights starting at $24/ea. from: Planet Bike NiteRider Portland Design Works Light & Motion Ravemen Cygolite Busch + Müller Topeak Nite Ize ...and dynamo lighting, including hub dynamos, headlights, taillights, fittings/wiring from: Schmidt/SON Busch + Müller Shimano Alfine Shutter Precision We provide professional dynamo lighting consultation, wheel building, and installation services. Please call or stop in for quotes and details. |
Chicago Muncipal Code Regarding Bicycles, excerpt:
9-52-080.
Head lamps, reflectors and brakes.
(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.
9-52-080.
Head lamps, reflectors and brakes.
(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.