Bicycle headlights – important safety factor in the dark

The lighting device on the bike is enormously important for cyclists and other road users. Defective or missing lighting can lead to dangerous situations in the dark, especially to accidents. To a complete bike lightsIn addition to the headlights still include taillights, reflectors and a reliable power source. In the past, the side rotor dynamo used to be an energy dispenser; batteriesand especially hub dynamos soft. Also the bicycle headlight themselves have evolved in today’s modern bicycle lighting technology. The bicycle lights and especially, of course, the bicycle headlight are subject to the strict regulations of the Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance (StVZO) in § 67. Alternators for operating the bicycle lights or other rechargeable energy sources (batteries, batteries) must have a minimum rated power of 3 W and a minimum rated voltage of 6 V. The complete lighting equipment of the bicycle must be firmly attached and be able to operate continuously (exception: Road bikesup to 11 kg). This is especially true for the bicycle headlight , about which there is some interesting information below. These should possibly animate owners of slightly older bicycles with no longer completely safe traffic lighting device for their renewal. For your own safety!

Important details about bicycle headlight

The bicycle barrow, also known as front light, must meet certain criteria, according to StVZO. It is mounted in the middle area of ​​the bicycle handlebar. The headlight emits bright, white light. Its illuminance, also called luminosity, is given in lux or lumen. The StVZO prescribes a minimum distance of 10 lux at a distance of 10 m. This brightness comes from a light source that used to be a simple little light bulb. With modern bicycle lighting, halogen lamps, and above all the even brighter LED headlights, provide reliable, strong light to the front. These light-emitting diodes are durable and illuminate the field of view better. In addition to the brightness, the distribution of light emission is important for bicycle headlights. The distance, ie up to 15 m from the front wheel, must be just as well lit as the near field of about 4 to 5 m. Good LED headlamps are always ready for this performance at full brightness. They bring in special cases up to 95 lux in luminosity. The bracket is also an important criterion when buying a bicycle headlight. The better fastened a headlight is, the lower is the risk that it will move unintentionally. The housing of a headlamp can z. B. made of aluminum, plastic or steel sheet. It should be splash-proof and shockproof. Each newly installed bicycle headlight must be set exactly during initial startup. Here, the inclination of the light cone according to StVZO, § 67 is fixed.

All around battery, battery, side rotor and hub dynamo

There are several manufacturers who offer different bicycle headlights for drive with battery, battery or dynamo. Axa, Büchel, Busch & Müller, Philips, Sigma. Security plus or Treloc are included. The various versions, with halogen lamps or LEDs, differ in design, material, luminosity and workmanship. When purchasing, it is important to consider all these criteria, depending on the personal needs and the bike. In the case of rechargeable batteries and batteries, the real running time with full charge is particularly important. Helpful is there an often existing charge indicator, which protects against sudden light failure. Also useful are the often offered on-off switch for hub dynamo operated headlights. Unfortunately, these switches are missing for those that are specially designed for the outdated side rotor dynamos. Even the automatic switch-on device in the dark is usually present today by means of sensor function. Likewise, the integrated in the headlight front light reflector, which is also additionally installed. Also daytime running lights, which makes the cyclist more visible, and parking lights, which brings safety when stopping in the dark, are useful facilities. As a highlight, the market-leading company Busch & Müller offers a top and dimmer switch. This is z. In the Lumotec IQ series. If you want to shine bright with your bike, thanks to state-of-the-art technology, many great extras are available for your new bicycle headlamp.