Cycle Lights

About Cycle Lights

Cycle lights are essential safety equipment for tradespeople, commuters and cyclists who ride in low-light conditions or darkness. Modern LED cycle lights provide powerful illumination whilst consuming minimal power, with rechargeable models offering convenient USB charging and multiple brightness modes. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of cycle lights from trusted brands including Draper, Lighthouse and Sealey, featuring front lights to illuminate the road ahead, rear lights for visibility from behind, and complete light sets for full coverage.

Quality cycle lights have evolved significantly from basic battery-powered bulbs to sophisticated LED systems offering extended run times, water resistance ratings, and flashing modes that increase visibility to other road users. For tradespeople who transport bicycles on vehicle-mounted carriers, MyToolShed also supplies trailer boards for cycle carriers, ensuring legal compliance when your bike rack obscures rear lights or number plates.

Applications

• Tradespeople: Electricians, plumbers, builders and maintenance workers cycling to work sites during winter months and early starts
• Construction Workers: Site workers commuting to building sites before dawn or finishing after dark
• Delivery Services: Cycle couriers and food delivery personnel working extended hours in all lighting conditions
• Facilities Management: Staff travelling between buildings across large sites or business parks by bicycle
• Security Personnel: Site security officers patrolling premises or industrial estates during night shifts
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvers cycling to suppliers during evening hours
• Fleet Managers: Specifying safety equipment for employees who cycle as part of work duties

Choosing The Right Cycle Lights

Your riding environment determines the required brightness level. For urban cycling with street lighting, 200-400 lumens front lights provide adequate illumination, whilst unlit rural roads benefit from 600+ lumens to spot hazards properly. Rear lights typically range from 20-100 lumens and should feature wide dispersal patterns for visibility from multiple angles.

Rechargeable LED lights offer excellent value and environmental benefits, with USB charging enabling convenient power-up at work or home. Check run time specifications exceed your longest journey with reserve capacity, and look for battery indicators that warn when charging is needed. UK law requires white front lights and red rear lights meeting BS6102/3 standards when cycling in darkness or reduced visibility.

Consider IPX4 or higher water resistance ratings for British weather conditions. Quick-release mounting systems are ideal for tradespeople who need to remove lights quickly at job sites. Multiple modes including steady and flashing options provide versatility—steady beams help you see the road, whilst flashing modes increase visibility during daylight and dusk. If transporting bikes on vehicle carriers, trailer boards are legally required when your rack obscures rear lights or number plates.

Safety Information

UK law mandates working front and rear lights when riding between sunset and sunrise or in seriously reduced visibility. Front lights must emit white light, rear lights must emit red light, and both must meet BS6102/3 standards. Fixed penalty notices apply for non-compliance. Regularly check lights function correctly before each ride, particularly during winter when battery drain increases in cold conditions. Position front lights to illuminate the road without dazzling oncoming traffic or pedestrians. When charging USB rechargeable lights, use appropriate equipment and don't leave batteries charging unattended for extended periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How bright should cycle lights be for UK roads?

For urban cycling with street lighting, 200-400 lumens front lights are typically sufficient. Unlit rural roads or lanes require 600+ lumens for proper illumination. Rear lights generally range from 20-100 lumens. Beam pattern, battery life and visibility angles are equally important as brightness for overall safety.

Are flashing cycle lights legal in the UK?

Yes, flashing cycle lights are legal for UK road use provided they meet BS6102/3 standards. Flashing modes improve visibility during daylight and dusk. Many cyclists prefer steady front beams on unlit roads for spotting hazards, whilst using flashing rear lights to attract attention from following traffic.

Do I need a trailer board when carrying bikes on my vehicle?

Yes, UK law requires a trailer board if your cycle carrier obscures rear lights, number plates or reflectors. This applies to roof-mounted and rear-mounted carriers. Trailer boards connect to your vehicle's electrical system via standard 7-pin or 13-pin sockets, ensuring legal compliance and visibility to following traffic.