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There are more than 700 deaths per year associated with bicycling at night according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

BikeTexas.org says that studies have shown traffic- related death rates are as much as three times higher at night than during the day. At night, drivers are unable to see the same colors and contrasts that they can see during the day. Also, peripheral vision and depth perception are greatly affected by the dark. Most urban areas offer some relief by providing street lighting, but often times that lighting is not sufficient and at times can cause an even greater limit in visibility.

Statistics from NHTSA reveal that:

• The average age of bicyclists killed in crashes with motor vehicles is 45.
• 88 percent of those killed were male.
• 71 percent of bicyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas.
• 20 percent of bicyclist fatalities occurred between 6 and 8:59 p.m.
• California (128), Florida (139), and Texas (50) lead the nation in the number of bicyclist fatalities. 

Reduced visibility, according to Healthy Living, poses a major danger to bicyclists. Vehicle drivers are less likely to see bicyclists, which increases the risk of an accident involving a larger vehicle. 

“Both motorists and bicyclists need to be vigilant at all times of the dangers on our roadways, especially at night. Each needs to take the responsibility of sharing the road with the other,” said Randall Spivey, Fort Myers Attorney, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 

What are motorists’ responsibilities?

According to FloridaBicycle.org, motorists are to “Think it Through.”

“Many conflicts and crashes are caused by impatient drivers. When you encounter a bicycle driver, take a moment to observe the roadway. In many cases it is not necessary to pass a cyclist right away, or at all:

• Is there a red light, stop sign or stopped traffic ahead?
• Is there an opportunity to pass with greater clearance in a short distance?
• Are there vehicles at cross streets that might turn into the oncoming lane as you are passing?
• Is the cyclist riding within a few mph of the speed limit?
• Are you on a residential street with speed bumps?
• Are you planning to turn off that road in 500 feet?”

What can bicyclists do to avoid the dangers of riding at night?

Neutralcycle.com recommends:

1. Increase your visibility. An important way to increase your visibility is to wear clothing and accessories that make you easily visible.  Avoid black if you can, and invest in clothing meant for biking that incorporates reflective material on it or wear reflective bands on your ankle and knees. These are actually pretty effective in increasing your visibility.  You want to make yourself as conspicuous as possible in order to avoid getting hit. 
2. Be predictable. Don’t assume motorists can see you. Keep a straight line at a constant distance from the curb and shoulders of the road. Don't weave in and out of lanes; stay on a straight course towards the center of the lane so that you are directly in the line-of-sight of cars.
3. Take alternate routes. Find safer routes that keep you off of major roads and out of risky areas. 
4. Signal and look back before making any lane changes or turns. 
5. Keep the same rules as cars do. If you’re riding around cars, keep the same rules as cars do. It’s not about being nice; it’s about making sure cars understand you and respect your presence on the road. 

Laws regarding bicycling at night 

In many states, there are laws requiring that cyclists riding at night must have a white headlamp, a red rear reflector, white or yellow reflectors on the pedals, and white or yellow reflectors on each side usually in the spokes. 

Florida law requires that every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear. A bicycle, or its rider, may be equipped with lights or reflectors in addition to those required. 

What other things can be done to reduce bicycle fatalities? 

In an attempt to provide a safe route for cyclists, the City Council in Cape Coral is considering installing "share the road" and "bike lane" signage, installing a paved refuge area, and installing bicycle lanes on the existing four-lane roadway north and southbound from NW 22nd Street to Gulfstream Parkway, according to the Cape Coral Daily Breeze. 

Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable on Florida’s roadways. Being involved in an accident with a larger vehicle represents the potential for multiple injuries. Contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 

Fort Myers Bicycle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.