24 | Getting Around Cambridge See and Be Seen Finding the right bike light ➤ THE BEST-LIT BIKE is one with front (a white LED) and rear lights (a red blinkie) for best visibility to drivers and pe- destrians. If you’re riding on roads with street lights, lower- to medium-output bike lights work well. But if you’re riding on dark streets or trails, you should go for higher output or lumens. ➤ WHAT ARE LUMENS? A lumen is a measure of the total amount of light emitted by a source. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light — and also the higher the price. But when it comes to staying safe, paying for the best light that you can af- ford is wise. Lumens are typically listed in a product name, such as Volt 300 (300 lumens) or Blaze 180 (180 lumens). ➤ RECHARGEABLE LIGHTS are the best way to go. They can be charged hundreds of times, making them a more eco- nomical and environmentally sound alternative to disposable batteries. Unlike battery-powered lights that dim slowly over the battery life, most rechargeable lights deliver a consistent beam until their power is exhausted and have a low-battery warning so you know when it’s time to plug in. ➤ WHEN CHARGING BATTERIES, be sure to fully charge them. Because inactive batteries lose their charge over time, plug in and charge your system before every use just in case. ➤ YOUR LIGHT’S BATTERY LIFE will depend on what settings you use. The higher steady setting is the brightest beam but also has a shorter total run time, compared to flash- ing modes, which use less battery power. Most rechargeable lights have multiple settings, so you can switch between them depending on what you need when riding. ➤ A HEADLIGHT IS TYPICALLY MOUNTED on the han- dlebar, but some lights come with an option to mount on your helmet. Red rear safety lights can be mounted on the seat post or a backpack or pannier depending on what mount accessory they come with. Some can also be attached on a rear bike rack. B iking at night requires extra attention to safety. And it’s not enough to see, you want to be seen as well by drivers and other cyclists. In Massachu- setts, front lights and rear reflectors are required from dusk ‘til dawn. We suggest rear lights, too! Don’t have a light? Let us help you pick one. Read on for what to look for or ask about when you’re shopping. Lightsaren’tjustcommonsense. It’s the law to have a front white light and rear reflector from dusk ‘til dawn. We suggest a back light, too! By BECCA HEATON Photo courtesy of Cateye Lights S2017 Cambridge SWFIN.indd 2 5/20/17 9:22 PM