Reclaim the night on your bike!
Riding a bike at night can make women feel empowered and invincible!
When it comes to night-time travel, many women don't feel safe walking or travelling on public transport (if there is any public transport running at night). That can be very limiting if you don't own a car. But riding a bike at night can make women feel empowered and invincible! Nocturnal bicycle commuter Anna Fern reports.
In the city, you can feel safe on a bike at night and in the early hours of the morning because there are hardly any cars or people about. Just steer clear of any stray drunks. Potential attackers like to prey on people who look vulnerable. A woman on a bike simply looks too fit and independent to fit into the helpless victim category.
Riding at night is actually very enjoyable. Gliding through quiet streets, you see another side of life in the city. There's no traffic fumes and the night air carries so many wonderful smells from people's gardens... and even their kitchens! There's also a whole spectrum of sounds not heard during the day, like the calls of frogs, crickets, possums and sometimes even owls. Overhead there are bats, and you'd be surprised how many foxes you see around inner Melbourne.
So rug up in your reflective jacket, make sure you're well lit and enjoy!
Tips for night riders
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Choose a route through quiet residential streets. Many roads that are too busy during the day are quiet at night.
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Trust your instincts. Plan a route to avoid places where you feel uncomfortable at night, such as deserted industrial areas or deserted bike paths through the bush.
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A reflector and a red flashing light on the back as well as a white flashing light on the front are essential.
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If you ride in the city, you may not need a steady light to see by. Set up your lights so they don't blind others.
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Dress to be seen. Plain, bright colours such as white and fluorescent yellow, green and orange are best. Red is not very visible at night.
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Light yourself up like a Christmas tree with reflective clothing. Some vests even come with built-in flashing lights.
Tell me more about what to wear and lights.