To be concerned about majority of cyclists not having lights on in the dark

[ZML]

It’s getting dark by about 5pm. It is very concerning that many cyclists don’t have any lights on their bikes and wearing dark clothing.

I have said to cyclists as driving past them - get some lights.

Also with increasing numbers of cyclists not cycling safely, pulling out without looking etc, the law should be more understandable towards drivers.

This problem isn’t with just the young. Seen cyclists, guessing in their 60s riding without lights

Absolutely not the case where I am (Surrey/Sussex/Hants border). The vast majority have very bright LED lights. You might see the odd kid on the way home from school on the pavement without lights but that’s it.

This is true. The other issue is people who have Day Running Lights, but they don't automatically switch across to "proper" headlights in the dark. It means the car doesn't have any visible rear lights unless the person brakes, it is so so so dangerous and drivers have no idea because their dash is illuminated and they can clearly see some light from their front headlights

How can you read that post then decide the complete opposite to what psychodacat actually wrote ?

Yes to this.

I live in a small village. The road out is steep, narrow and overhung by trees. No street lights so it's pitch black after dark.

The other night I was met by two bikes coming fast down middle of the road, one teen on one bike and two teens on another. No lights, reflectors or helmets, all dressed in dark clothes. They both swerved, one to the left of me, one to the right, so all I could do was brake hard, keep straight and pray they missed me.

I could have killed them. They could easily have hit a tree and killed themselves. I've begged parents on the village facebook group to put some reflectors on their bikes, I'll even pay, they are pennies on Amazon. No response. 🙁

One of my headlights went but I kept putting off changing the bulb as it was summer so I wasn't driving in the dark, until I went round my brother's one evening and stayed late, started to drive back and discovered my other headlight had gone too. Now I always keep spare bulbs in my glovebox.

It should be law that if you're caught with no lights, your bike should be crushed.

Dont be daft. What about lights getting nicked

So the low paid food delivery cyclists desperate to make a living are at fault, not the customers sitting ay home waiting for their noodles?

How often does that happen? Every person I know who rides a bike hasn't had their bike lights nicked.

What's more daft is riding a bike with no light in the dark months!

So because they're delivering food, they're not obliged to follow simple basic safety? Err no.

Yes, I've noticed this over the past few winters .
Today was foggy , and yet the number of cars with no lights or only head lights !
Add in the number of grey/black/silver/dark blue cars .
Nearly invisible .

And the ones doing delivery in their cars don't have to pay the insurance premium for business cover? You won't mind when one of them hits you and they are not insured?
Don't be ridiculous.