During nighttime traffic, how can a rider best detect bumps in the road?

Using the taillights of the car ahead can provide clarity about the condition of the road. When you closely monitor the behavior of the rear lights, you might observe them either illuminating more brightly as the vehicle slows down or suddenly dimming when the driver accelerates. These changes can suggest that the vehicle is encountering bumps or potholes, allowing you to anticipate similar conditions on the road.

While headlights can illuminate your immediate surroundings, they may not always effectively reveal road irregularities far enough ahead during nighttime. Listening for tire noise changes is also a strategy, but it may not be as reliable, especially in mixed traffic or on varying types of pavement. Feeling for vibrations through the handlebars can indicate bumps when already encountered, but it doesn’t provide the anticipatory information needed to approach potential hazards safely.