SAFETY AND ACCESS
Bike lights and visibility
Select legal road lighting and enough trail illumination for speed, terrain, weather and delay.
Reviewed · General UK planning guidance · Check current operator and manufacturer information
Road requirements
Public-road rules apply to links before and after the trail.
- Use compliant front and rear lights and required reflectors during legal lighting-up times.
- Keep lights visible and correctly aimed.
- Carry enough power for delays, not only expected moving time.
Off-road lighting
Beam shape and mounting stability matter as much as output.
- Use a primary light appropriate to terrain and speed plus an independent backup.
- Test mounts and cable routing through full steering and suspension movement.
- Reduce speed in fog, rain and dust because glare can reduce useful visibility.
Respect others
High-output lights can temporarily blind people.
- Dip or shield the beam around walkers, road users and approaching riders.
- Avoid shining into homes, wildlife or vehicle cabs.
- Stop before adjusting settings or checking a screen.
Useful official guidance
Rules, conditions and services change. Use these sources and the relevant venue’s current information before relying on a plan.
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