bike safety lights first

The other day I was nearly murdered on the murky roads of Rutland - stupidly out on my dark bicycle with a black sweater, no helmet and a £2.99 front and rear light from Tesco's. needless to say the 50 foot articulated truck didn't see me. gratefully I heard him coming from behind and managed to pull over far adequate not to get splatted. Not the most exciting second of my life particularly as three people had been hit on this particular piece of road in the last few weeks -and they have been in cars!

So off to my nearby bicycle shop to get more visible. Items to buy Helmet, high visibility jacket and a damn great set of lights. The guys at Rutland Cycling had been truly great, Emma who helped me definitely knew her Stuff.

Initial stop lights - who would have believed you could buy a entrance light for £800! I didn't of course and having observed the mighty energy of this titan it would have lit up old Trafford. I settled for a really good front and rear light set from Smart. The front was the Lunar Lux 35. Liz told me that the light would withstand all climate conditions and would undoubtedly get me noticed on the roads. It was simple to fit to my bike and runs of a couple of AA batteries but will take rechargeable batteries as nicely - however they don't last as long.

The light has three modes, higher beam, low beam and flashing - if you use the flashing mode your battery life will be up to 18 hrs compared to 5 hours on full beam. I've been using the Smart Lunar Lux 35 Front light for a while now and I have to say it seems up to the job particularly thinking about what I could have spent. Although I could have purchased the light less costly on-line there is nonetheless a lot to be said for going into a bicycle store and getting excellent advice from the folks who are informed. I can now be observed from miles around in a bright yellow Altura jacket with lights flashing Front and rear. I hope the next truck driver sees me!