Repurpose an Existing Flashlight

• 1). Acquire an existing flashlight for your homemade bike headlamp project. Repurposing a flashlight you already own will save money and not impact the environment by creating more packaging waste. If you can use a flashlight with an LED bulb, it will be brighter and burn longer than a flashlight with a traditional halogen bulb. A lightweight, pocket-sized flashlight measuring less than 12 inches long and powered by AA batteries is ideal.
  
  
• 2). Cut a 3-inch-long strip of hook and loop fastener, ensuring that it has a self-adhesive backing. Apply the hook (hard-sided) fastener to the middle of your flashlight's body. Next, apply the loop (fuzzy-sided) fastener to the top of your bicycle helmet, closer to the front of your head than the rear, and between two air vents.
  
  
• 3). Adhere the flashlight to the loop fastener on your helmet. Next, wrap a hook and loop fastener band over the top of your flashlight, down into the two air vents and back up and around the flashlight. Secure the wrap firmly around the flashlight and helmet to prevent detachment.
  
  
• 4). Test the beam projection of your bicycle helmet headlamp by riding in a safe area at night, ensuring that you can comfortably ride with your head in position to illuminate trees, potholes and objects. If the beam projects too high or low, remove your hook fastener on the helmet, and repeat the process. Once you can clearly see obstructions, you're ready to ride.