Bike Lights V Bike Helmets - Which Are More Important?

In many countries, the use of a helmet whilst riding a bike is compulsory. It is also the law to have front and rear bike lights when riding at night. However, whilst of equal importance, it appears that law enforcers are a lot more aggressive when it comes to donning a lid. Why is this?

In New Zealand for example, helmets are compulsory for cyclists of all ages. Yes, no matter how slow you are going, how little vehicles are present within your cycle route or how experienced and competent you are, you must wear a helmet. The fine for not upholding this law is NZ$50. New Zealand roads are relatively quiet as a rule and consequently far less dangerous than roads in Europe where the use of a helmet is not compulsory.

Bike helmets became compulsory in New Zealand in 1994. The introduction of this law came about as a result of a nationwide campaign run by Rebecca Oaten, a prominent cycling champion whose son suffered a disastrous head injury in 1986. This law came into effect despite a report written by the Australian Department of Transport in 1987 suggesting that there was little doubt on the actual effectiveness of bicycle helmets in major accidents. Many European countries believe having to wear them not only makes cycling less fashionable, convenient and comfortable but it also means that cyclists are more likely to ride with less care and thus increasing the risk of accidents.

Bicycle lights on the other hand are essential. It is a known fact that bicycle commuters riding at night without bike lights are quite likely to be hit by a car coming from behind or from the side. One of the most dangerous situations is when a cyclist is on a main road and a car on an adjacent road pulls out from an intersection. Having lights attached and used on your bicycle is compulsory in New Zealand, however despite the greater dangers associated with not using them, there is far less scrutiny by law enforcers. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to witness or hear about a cyclist being pulled over and either warned or fined for having no lights after dark.

Cyclists should not only have a white light in the front and red light on the rear, but they should also have reflectors or lights on the sides of their bicycles. In France, it is illegal to sell a bike that is not fitted with a lighting system. In Germany all bicycles over 11 kilograms must also have lights.

Thankfully, many bicycle riders understand the importance of operating lights at night. There are still a large number of them whom either don't have them fitted at all, only have a front or rear light or their batteries are flat. In order for riders to become more safe, prevent less accidents and catch up with the rest of the Western world, there needs to be more importance placed on riding with bicycle lights and less on helmets.

Bells and Whistles is a New Zealand retailer of a limited range of quality bike lights and other urban bike accessories. Our LED and USB lights include front and rear lights, 360 degree tube lights and spoke lights, which combined help provide complete riding visibility at night.