Lights . . Mirrors . . Helmets Convenience Accessories . . Pants Clips . . You also need to know How to Not Get Hit by Cars .
Lights are absolutely essential for night-time riding.
Most cyclists who get killed are hit at night, and most don't have lights. The only light required by law is a front headlight, but you should also have a rear red flasher even though the law doesn't require it. This is a cheap way to keep you from being invisible. Get these at any bike shop, although sometimes they can be had at places like HEB, Wal-Mart, and Academy. Red flashers are cheap and effective.