Bike Lights

High visibility is best for safe cycling, running and walking in low light conditions.

Wear bright clothing during the daytime hours and reflective material after dark, to be safe and be seen.

Applying reflective tape to your backpack, ankles, helmet or bike is a simple and effective way to increase your visibility when the days are shorter.

Rules and lights test results

The law requires cyclists to use front and rear lights during the hours of darkness and lights have to be visable from a distance of 200 metres. You can find out more about the rules in the NZ Code for Cyclists.

We recommend two lights front and two lights rear, one steady and one flashing in each direction. Please take care not to blind other people with your headlight, particularly on shared paths.

Not all lights are created equally. Wellington City Council and Consumer tested a selection of lights - check out the results.

Snazz up your side-on visibility

Most accidents occur during turning manoeuvres – being seen by vehicles turning across your path is vital, so we tested the lights from 0 to 45 degree angles.

If you do not have pedal reflectors, you must wear reflective material when riding at night. Increase your side-on visibility with reflectors or lights on your spokes, and tyres with reflective side walls.