Using the bicycle as a means of transport to move around the city has many benefits: it is faster and more agile than a car when there is traffic, it is economical, you exercise while you drive… You can even modify your bicycle to turn it into an electric one, and drive long distances.
But, when you drive around the city, and even on the road, you have to be very careful, especially if it’s at night. You should always use lights to let cars, pedestrians, and other bicyclists know you are ahead or behind them.
Most of the lights that are marketed for this purpose are expensive, but it is necessary to use them. So if you don’t want to spend that money, do it yourself!
It is a simple and economical project, which will be very useful to you.
Materials
– 2 3 1/2 inch LED flashlights
– 2 3/4 inch PVC “T” joints
– 2 supports (size 2) for pipes
– 1 piece of 3/4 inch PVC and about 1 inch long
– 1 bolt 1/2 inch (1/4-20) with nut
– Saw
– Optional: painting
Process
1. Cut the “T” joints crosswise, but on one side only.
2. Using the short piece of PVC, connect the two seams. You will not need glue.
3. Connect the brackets with the 1/4-20 bolt and nut. One will hold onto the pipe and the other will hold on to your lamp.
4. Place the lanterns inside the “T” joints. This is the most difficult step, since PVC is very rigid. You will need to pry it up with a knife, being careful not to break the tube. You can also soak the “T” joint in a pot of boiling water for a few moments to soften it a bit.
5. Connect the lamp to the bracket and fit everything to the bike frame. It’s ready!
Turn on the lamps and adjust them so that they illuminate the area in front of the bike well. Make a mark so you can line it up again the same way, without having to try and adjust each time.
If you prefer, you can paint the plastic black, to make it more beautiful.
Enjoy using your bike at night too!