Light up cyclists

The number of cyclists in Brussels increases year after year. But many of them are not lit or are poorly lit. Pro Velo's annual cycling observatory revealed that only 59% of cyclists had front and rear lights. 23% of bicycles were only partially equipped and 18% had no lights on their bikes at all (2020). Yet it is of vital importance to remain visible on your bike. 

5 good reasons to have good bicycle lights: 

1. To be seen

More than any other reason, the first lesson from this list is that you have to ride with a bright light to be seen and not to be hit by a vehicle. 

Although we only cycle 10% of the kilometres in the dark, 20% of the accidents happen in the dark.

2. To see

Good bicycle lighting not only ensures that other road users notice you on time, but also allows you to see enough of your surroundings to cycle safely.

3. Because it is the law 

What does the law say about bicycle lights? Use lights between dusk and dawn, and also when it is no longer possible to see clearly at a distance of about 200 metres. The red rear light must be visible at least 100 metres at night when the weather is clear. At the front, the cyclist should have a white or yellow light and at the back a red one. 

4. Weather conditions change rapidly

Darkness and reduced visibility can come very quickly and without warning. Some areas quickly become dark, foggy or rainy, restricting visibility. Other areas have many trees and dark shadows. This can sometimes make a cyclist have limited visibility or even disappear.

City traffic, tunnels, and city lights are also a dangerous and unpredictable factor that increase the danger on the road.

5. Also for other moving devices

Just like a bicycle, moving devices such as electric scooters, monowheels and electric skateboards must be equipped with a white or yellow light at the front and a red light at the back if they are used between dusk and dawn and in all circumstances when visibility is less than 200 metres.

The legal obligation for lighting does not only apply to bicycles, but also to motorised vehicles that can be driven faster than at walking pace. So also users of hoverboards, (electric) steps, skateboards, monowheels, segways, etc. must have a light at the front and back when it is dark.