There are various risks associated with transporting bikes on a car, like bike damages or injuries to victims from a rear-end accident due to poor visibility. For that reason, do bike racks need lights?
Some bike racks require lights, while others a perfectly okay without them. For instance, rear-mounted racks need extra light installation since racks can cover the vehicle’s license plate and the headlight. Additionally, lights help others see your bike effortlessly, keeping everyone safe.
Lights aren’t necessary for roof-mounted bike racks. However, they are typically essential for hitch-mount, spare tire-mount, and trunk-mount bike racks.
This post covers the instances when you need lights on bike racks, how to install them, and the types of bicycle rack lights.
When Do Bike Racks Need Lights?
You ought to know when bike rack lights are required before you shop for some or even choose to transport your bike without them.
Invest in lights for your bike rack if:
1. The Bike Rack Obstructs The Car’s Rear Light
Your vehicle’s rear light must be visible at all times. Therefore, you’ll need to install lights if your bicycle rack blocks the car’s rear light to avoid breaking the law.
The rack lights will replicate the car’s backlight. Ensure you get lights with proper illumination.
2. The Bike Rack Covers The Vehicle’s License Plate
Vehicle license plates need to be visible because law enforcement authorities use them to identify lawbreakers. Therefore, it’s an offense if your bicycle rack blocks your car’s registration number.
However, you can solve this problem by installing an auxiliary light kit to replicate the vehicle’s license plate.
3. To Prevent Accidents
You can still install bicycle rack lights even if the rack isn’t blocking the license plate or the car’s backlight to avoid hitting someone or something. For example, lights will make reversing much easier if the bicycle rack obstructs your view.
How Do You Put Lights On A Bike Rack?
Most manufacturers offer light bars together with bike racks, which you can easily install following the provided instructions. However, don’t worry if the rack you get doesn’t have light bars because you purchase and easily install your preferred LED light kits or a light bar.
Follow the below steps to put lights on your bike rack.
1. Tool And Material Preparation
You’ll need particular types of wretches and bolts compatible with the sockets of your rack. Moreover, get a measuring tape to align everything well.
You will also need quality Velcro if you install LED light kits to ensure they stick on the rack quickly and properly. In addition, compatible adapters are also necessary for the wiring cables.
2. Position The Rack Set
Position your rack upwards to help you see where to install the lights. If necessary, adjust it suitably.
3. Install The Lights
Here’s how to install LED lights and light bars.
- Light Bars Installation
Position your light bar together with the sockets found along the rack’s horizontal upper rail, then bolt them with a wrench.
- LED Lights Installation
Clean and measure out the area you want to put the LED lights, the cut out the Velcro based on the size of the lights. After that, attach the Velcro’s one side to the LED lights and the other to the rack.
4. Wiring
LED light kits and light bars come with cable sets that are pre-packaged. Join the wires connected to the Bicycle lights to your car using the adapter and connection cables.
Connect the light wires to the backlight wires to ensure they illuminate.
You can hold the wires together with cable ties.
How to Choose The Best Bike Rack Lights
When shopping for lights for your bicycle rack, there are important factors to consider to ensure you choose the best quality. These are:
a) Brightness
It’s essential to ensure your lights are easily visible to road users without blinding them. However, if yours has a higher lumen count, hence pretty bright, tilt them a bit downwards so that they don’t point directly on another motorist’s eye line.
b) Mounting
depending on the lights you get, you can mount them using Velcro or drill and bolt. Lightbars are bolted to the bike rack, while LED lights can be attached with Velcro.
Before buying a light bar, ensure the bolts and wretches go with your bicycle rack’s sockets.
c) Budget
bike rack lights come at various prices depending on their features and quality, with some costing more than others. Come up with a budget you can comfortably afford, then search for quality lights within your range.
For instance, Let’s Go Aero Universal 4-Flat Red LED Light Kit (View on Amazon) are excellent multi-purpose lights you can attach to your bike rack. It’s made with a universal design compatible with your car’s body and bicycle rack.
It also has 72-inch wiring, 4-flat connector plugs. Moreover, it features two brackets meant for attaching the license plates below the lights.
FAQs
1. Do I need Lights On A Bike Rack?
You need lights on your bicycle rack if you want to practice safe cycling, especially when there’s low visibility. They are also necessary if your rack obstructs the car’s license plates or backlight.
2. Do You Need A Light Board For A Bike Rack?
If your bicycle rack covers your vehicle’s license plate or rear light, you require a light board since it replicates the car’s plate number and backlight.
3. Is It Okay If My Bike Rack Covers My License Plate?
It’s against the law for bicycle racks to hide the car’s license plate in most areas. However, you can avoid penalties with an auxiliary number plate.
Since different places have varying traffic laws, make sure you confirm these rules beforehand.
4. How Do You Put A Tail Light On A Bike Rack?
You can install a tail light on your rack with Velcro, drill into the bicycle rack, or magnets. The method will depend on the rack’s design.
In Conclusion, Do Bikes Racks Need Lights?
The obstruction of the license plate and backlight compels you to attach lights to your bicycle rack. However, your concern for safety on the road makes their use an obvious choice because they improve visibility.
