While everybody has their own preferences as far as the seasons go, you’d struggle to find a cyclist that doesn’t consider summer to be their favourite season of the year.
As a cyclist, summer is the ultimate season. Not only do you get warmer, dryer weather, you also get longer days, shorter nights, and plenty of visibility. Add to that, the fact that cycling after sunset can be one of the most invigorating pastimes you’ll ever experience, and it’s easy to see why the warmer months are so favourable.
The main issue with riding your bike in the summer, is the temperature. In extreme heat, cycling can be dangerous. This is why night cycling UK is on the rise. Cycling after sunset offers a wide range of benefits, with fewer drawbacks. Providing, of course, that you’re careful and prepared. That’s where we enter the fold.
From tips for riding after dark, to the best bike lights 2025, here’s everything you need to know about summer cycling after sunset.
Why is Summer Evening Cycling so Popular?
Keen and dedicated cyclists love to cycle all year round, in all seasons. Heck, there are plenty out there who enjoy cycling in colder, even wetter weather. For the most part however, summer is the season you look forward to the most if you’re a cyclist.
But why is it that so many of us look forward to throwing on our gear, jumping on our bikes, and heading off on a bike ride during the summer evenings rather than the middle of the day?
Here are a few examples of why cycling in the summer’s evening is so popular.
The Warmth
Summer is the warmest season of the year, and feeling that warm summer sun on your skin just feels amazing. The problem is that riding in direct sunlight when the sun is at its hottest can be a recipe for disaster.
Not only are you at risk of dehydration and overheating, there’s also the risk of sunburn, as well as being dazzled by the sun’s rays and crashing.
Cycling in the evening however, is much more comfortable. The sun is still warm, without being too hot and burning you. Not only does it feel great to be in the warmth, but it has also been scientifically proven to help lift your mood and boost your energy levels. Along with more energy and improved mental health, it’s also safer.
Statistically, you’re more likely to pick up a cycling injury during the winter, because you’re not properly warmed up. Warm weather helps to relax your muscle fibres and loosen up your muscles, while boosting circulation at the same time. This means your body will be less susceptible to injury in the summer, especially if you take a tumble.
Safer Conditions
Another benefit of summer evening cycling is the fact that the conditions, especially in this country, are going to be much safer.
One of the main hazards of UK night cycling is the lack of visibility. During the summer months, visibility is much better as we get much more daylight, and brighter weather too. This will help road users and other cyclists and pedestrians, to spot you easier.
On top of that, the conditions themselves are much safer. In the autumn and winter, the ground is likely to be wet, muddy, covered with damp leaves, and even slippery and icy. This puts you at risk of slipping, skidding, or falling off. In the summer, the surfaces are likely to be much drier.
Whether you’re cycling on the road, mountain biking, or a bit of both, you’re less likely to come off your bike in the summer.
Can Keep You Cooler
Generally, if you exercise in hot temperatures and warm sunshine, you’re going to sweat and overheat quickly. Cycling after sunset, however, is an activity that can help to keep you cool.
When cycling as the sun goes down, you get the benefit of a cool summer breeze blowing in your face. As the wind rushes over you it’s like having a fan blowing cool air on you constantly. This can help to keep you cool and prevent you from overheating when pedalling.
More Time Riding
Despite the fact that night cycling UK is still very popular, most cyclists prefer to ride in the evening, when visibility is better.
In the height of winter, we only get around 7 hours of daylight, and even then, chances are it’s cloudy, grey, and overcast, so visibility will be poor. In the summer months, the sun rises early, and sets much later. This means you can start your rides earlier, and finish later.
Cycling after sunset, just as the sun begins to drop, will also provide you with some of the most spectacular views you could ever imagine, plus it’ll be a little cooler as well.
So, whether you cycle alone, with friends, with a group, or your family, you can enjoy these warm moments together, with those you care about.
3 Nighttime Summer Cycling Tips
As UK night cycling is becoming increasingly popular, as well as having fun, it’s important to stay safe. Cycling after sunset can be dangerous, primarily due to a lack of visibility, but there are steps you can take to make yourself safer.
From the best bike lights 2025, to reflective gear, and everything in between, here are three handy tips for riding after dark.
Avoid Cycling in Bad Weather
While some of you will be happy to cycle in bad weather during the day, at nighttime you should avoid it.
In poor weather, your vision will be impaired, and the ground will likely be slippery. This means you’ll be at greater risk of injury. When riding after dark, only do so in optimal weather conditions.
Invest in Quality Bike Lights
Without doubt, when it comes to UK night cycling, if you’re cycling after sunset, it’s essential that you purchase quality cycling lights.
Choosing the best bike lights 2025 is not easy, which is why it’s important to choose a reputable company with a proven track record.
ROCKBROS for example, stock a wide range of bike lights to suit all budgets. For those on a budget, the ROCKBROS Q1 Smart Bike Waterproof Rear LED Light comes in at less than £19, and with free UK delivery, you won’t get better value anywhere.
For larger, more advanced requirements, the ROCKBROS 3000 lumens front light and rechargeable power bank is ideal, and, still comes in at less than £50.
For cycling after sunset, a quality set of front and rear bike lights is vital.
Wear Bright and Reflective Clothing
In order to make yourself visible to other road users, it’s important to wear bright and reflective clothing and protective gear as you ride.
Bright clothing will help you to stand out, while reflective strips and accessories will show up clearly in vehicle headlights from a long way away. This ensures that other road users can see you well in advance, and manoeuvre accordingly.
