DIY Bike Headlights

Do-it-yourself bicycle headlights are simple to create using materials that you probably have at home. Homemade lights are best used for commuting in urban environments in low light. They are not recommended for cyclists racing or training at night. It is important to place lights both on the front and back of your bicycle so that the lights help you see and help others on the road to see you. Use your discretion and choose lights that are bright enough for a safe ride.

  1. Flashlight with Twine

    • Find or purchase a small or medium flashlight that emits a strong light. LED flashlights are ideal. For a temporary bike headlight, use twine to attach the light to your handlebars.

      Cut about three feet of twine. Have a friend hold the flashlight on your handlebars, just to the left or right of the center stem. Wind the twine around the flashlight beginning at the back and overlapping the twine so that it stays.

      When you get to the handlebars at the center of the flashlight, wrap the twine once on each side of the flashlight around the handlebars. Keep wrapping up towards the front of the light while continuing to overlap the twine on itself.

      When you reach the end, form a knot and pull tightly to hold the light in place.

    Flashlight with Duct Tape

    • For a more permanent headlight, use duct tape. Have a friend hold a small to medium, preferably LED flashlight on top of your handlebars, just to the side of the center stem.

      Using a piece of tape that is just shorter than the flashlight, place the tape on the underside of the handlebars, along the length of the flashlight so that the ends of the tape are attached to the bottom of the flashlight and the center of the tape touches the underside of the handlebars.

      Now take another piece of tape and place it at a right angle to the first piece and the flashlight and parallel to the handlebars, on top of the flashlight. The center of the tape should be touching the center of the flashlight and the ends of the tape should attach to the handlebars.

      For extra stability, cross several pieces of tape diagonally across and around the middle of the flashlight, where it attaches to the handlebars.

    Headlamp - Front or Rear

    • A headlamp is the most simple method for a do-it-yourself bike light, as it comes with its own strap.

      For a front light, wrap the head strap around the center of the handlebars, looping the light through so that it is facing forward.

      For a rear light, wrap the headlamp strap around the seat post (the post underneath the seat), so that the light faces backwards.

      You can also wrap the headlamp around a backpack if you are using one.

      Headlamps are sold in stores that sell hiking and outdoor equipment, such as REI, Eastern Mountain Sports, LL Bean, and Sports Authority. Larger retail chains such as Target and Wal-Mart also sell headlamps.