Helmet-Mounted Lights

If you're a mountain biker who loves the challenge of the darkened trails, you'll know just how good helmet-mounted lights are. The long-distance cyclists will also know about the convenience of having an easily directed light source for seeing their maps in the dark lanes. However, we're still not sure whether they are necessary for commuters - despite the current fashion for them. As an additional source of light they are useful but it should remembered that they should not be used alone; the law specifically states that lights should be fixed to your bike and there is a height limit. There is also the danger that when you turn back to see if it is clear to overtake a stationary vehicle or change lane you will present a following driver with a white light instead of a red! If you do wear a light on your helmet you should be aware of the danger of dazzling oncoming traffic by pointing the beam towards the driver. Some lights which can be fixed to helmets are designed for off-road use where they are excellent at picking up roots on the trail ( and low-hanging branches) - but they should not be used on the road.