In the night to Sunday, 25 October, the clocks go back from 3am to 2am. For everyone who heads out for a ride after work, that means: from Monday you ride into dusk an hour earlier. By the Obersee the sun then sets shortly after 5pm, and by the end of November at around half past four. With a few simple rules, the group still stays safely together.
Dusk is the trickiest time
At dusk the world still looks bright – but drivers spot cyclists much later. According to Suva, if you’re dressed in dark clothing you’re only recognised from about 25 metres. A proper bike light, on the other hand, is visible from 100 metres, and reflective clothing from 130 to 160 metres. Even so, according to the BFU, one in four people cycle without lights in the dark and at dusk – and at night the accident risk on a bike or e-bike is about one and a half times higher than during the day.
What applies in Switzerland
- Bike: at dusk, in the dark and in poor visibility – for example in fog, rain or in a tunnel – you need a steady white light at the front and a steady red light at the rear. The front light must be visible from 100 metres. Additional flashing lights are allowed.
- Reflectors: white at the front, red at the rear, plus reflectors on the pedals.
- E-bike: since 1 April 2022, the light on all e-bikes must also be switched on during the day. Riding without lights can cost you a fine of CHF 20.
- Motorbike: you always ride with lights on anyway. Above all, make sure the group can see you clearly from behind.
Germany and Austria have similar basic rules, but different regulations in the details. Before a tour across the border, quickly check what’s required there.
Five tips for the group
1. Check lights before you set off
Add a light check to your pre-ride check: does everyone have a light on at the front and rear? Are the lamp batteries charged? The cold drains batteries faster – on the e-bike and on your phone too. Adjust your front light so it lights up the road without dazzling anyone, including the people ahead of you in the group.
2. Make the leader and sweeper easy to see
The leader is the first to see what’s coming. The sweeper is the first to be seen by cars coming from behind. Give the sweeper in particular a bright rear light and a high-visibility vest with reflective strips. The BFU recommends high-visibility vests on bikes, e-bikes and motorbikes even during the day – yet only 5 percent wear them at dusk.
3. Calls instead of hand signals
In half-light, nobody can see when someone at the front points at a pothole or raises a hand to turn. That’s why short, clear calls count now: “hole right”, “bike oncoming”, “car behind”, “stop”. The sweeper’s role is crucial: they call out when someone drops back – and after every stop say “all here” before you ride on. If you wear headphones for this, wear them so you can still hear the traffic – here’s an overview of what’s allowed.
4. Adjust spacing and speed
In the dark you spot potholes, wet leaves and kerbs later. Ride a little slower and leave more space. Riding side by side is not a good idea now – in single file you see more and are seen better.
5. Fit the ride to the clock
Plan your after-work ride so you’re back before it gets dark – or deliberately with full lighting. Choose routes with little traffic and no unlit stretches of forest, and agree on a shortcut in case it takes longer than planned.
When can you ride along?
VOXPEERS is coming to the stores soon. We’ll only announce a firm date once everything is just right. If you want to be there from day one, sign up here – we’ll be in touch as soon as it starts. And if you’re looking for a beautiful autumn loop: Autumn on the Obersee.
Overview, not legal advice. As of October 2026. Sources: Suva (visibility on the bike), BFU (Swiss Council for Accident Prevention, Day of Light 2023), light requirement for e-bikes since 1 April 2022.