Cycle Lights - A Brief History
The earliest cycle lights were Carbide lamps which were powered by acetylene gas, produced by calcium carbide combined with water. Although the lamps required regular maintenance they were very bright and the arrival of battery powered lamps in the 1890s was well received by cyclists. Early battery lamps comprised of a lead-acid battery but these were later to be replaced by self-contained dry cells. It was then that lamps became smaller and more reliable and at the same time, dynamos were developed that generated energy from the bikes own movement. Today, we benefit from much advancement in exceptionally efficient lights, LED's being the popular choice. Light emitting diodes (LED's) are used in applications such as aviation lighting, automotive lighting and traffic signals. Introduced as an electronic component in 1962, these powerful lights once emitted a low-intensity red. Today there are a wide range of LED cycle lights, throwing out anything from 200 lumens to an impressive 1000 lumens.
Riding in the Countryside
Cycling in rural areas brings more dangers than cycling in the city or built up areas. You need to be aware of animals and rough terrain like pot holes. When cycling in the countryside at night time, it may be harder to spot these things and this is why you need a good set of cycle lights. Just because you are out in rural areas, it doesn't mean that cars won't be sharing the road with you. You should hold your own and take your rightful place in the road. It is unsafe for cars behind you to overtake so let them know who is boss! Cycling in the countryside is a great way to explore the surrounding area from which you live and see sights that you have never seen before. It may be that you have to ride through rural areas on your commute to work and you don't have a choice. As long as you familiarise yourself with the rules of the road, stay assertive and have powerful lights fitted, you'll be fine. There is nothing worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere in complete darkness with no lights so make sure you are fully prepared.
Cycle Lights and Cycling Benefits
Swapping your car for your bike is recommended today, not only to help save the environment but for health reasons. Many people today are concerned with pollution and many other things that damage our living environment. Bicycles are the only vehicles that do not release any harmful gases into the atmosphere. There are a growing number of people today of all ages wanting to leave their cars at home and help save the environment by cycling. Choosing your bike instead of your car will also save you hundreds of pounds each year. Apart from the initial start-up cost of your cycle and cycle lights, cycling is free and if you keep it well maintained, it will last you a very long time. Think about how much money you spend on fuel or public transport, this could be cut down significantly if you cycle every day. Start by choosing your bike to do those small errands like posting a letter or nipping out for some milk. There's also the benefit of regular exercise; cycling is one of the best forms of exercise anyone can do as all of the muscles get a good workout. It also reduces stress levels, reduces the chances of heart disease and also increases the body's protection against various forms of diabetes and high blood pressure. This is because cycling facilitates blood circulation in the body. To reap these benefits, regular cyclists need to ensure they have a good set of cycle lights [http://www.magicshineuk.co.uk/categories/bike-lights] fitted.
The earliest cycle lights were Carbide lamps which were powered by acetylene gas, produced by calcium carbide combined with water. Although the lamps required regular maintenance they were very bright and the arrival of battery powered lamps in the 1890s was well received by cyclists. Early battery lamps comprised of a lead-acid battery but these were later to be replaced by self-contained dry cells. It was then that lamps became smaller and more reliable and at the same time, dynamos were developed that generated energy from the bikes own movement. Today, we benefit from much advancement in exceptionally efficient lights, LED's being the popular choice. Light emitting diodes (LED's) are used in applications such as aviation lighting, automotive lighting and traffic signals. Introduced as an electronic component in 1962, these powerful lights once emitted a low-intensity red. Today there are a wide range of LED cycle lights, throwing out anything from 200 lumens to an impressive 1000 lumens.
Riding in the Countryside
Cycling in rural areas brings more dangers than cycling in the city or built up areas. You need to be aware of animals and rough terrain like pot holes. When cycling in the countryside at night time, it may be harder to spot these things and this is why you need a good set of cycle lights. Just because you are out in rural areas, it doesn't mean that cars won't be sharing the road with you. You should hold your own and take your rightful place in the road. It is unsafe for cars behind you to overtake so let them know who is boss! Cycling in the countryside is a great way to explore the surrounding area from which you live and see sights that you have never seen before. It may be that you have to ride through rural areas on your commute to work and you don't have a choice. As long as you familiarise yourself with the rules of the road, stay assertive and have powerful lights fitted, you'll be fine. There is nothing worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere in complete darkness with no lights so make sure you are fully prepared.
Cycle Lights and Cycling Benefits
Swapping your car for your bike is recommended today, not only to help save the environment but for health reasons. Many people today are concerned with pollution and many other things that damage our living environment. Bicycles are the only vehicles that do not release any harmful gases into the atmosphere. There are a growing number of people today of all ages wanting to leave their cars at home and help save the environment by cycling. Choosing your bike instead of your car will also save you hundreds of pounds each year. Apart from the initial start-up cost of your cycle and cycle lights, cycling is free and if you keep it well maintained, it will last you a very long time. Think about how much money you spend on fuel or public transport, this could be cut down significantly if you cycle every day. Start by choosing your bike to do those small errands like posting a letter or nipping out for some milk. There's also the benefit of regular exercise; cycling is one of the best forms of exercise anyone can do as all of the muscles get a good workout. It also reduces stress levels, reduces the chances of heart disease and also increases the body's protection against various forms of diabetes and high blood pressure. This is because cycling facilitates blood circulation in the body. To reap these benefits, regular cyclists need to ensure they have a good set of cycle lights [http://www.magicshineuk.co.uk/categories/bike-lights] fitted.
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