SEE AND BE SEEN
When riding in traffic, you will need
to see, of course, but you’ll also need
to be seen. If you’ve ever driven by a
cyclist who has nothing to make them
visible at night, you’ve likely had a
close call.
Brighter lights are better for seeing
and being seen, but be aware that
if the light is too bright, it can blind
other riders and drivers. Carefully aim
the lights to let you see far enough
ahead so you can safely ride at the
speed you want to ride, but don’t aim
them so high that you blind others.
Temporarily blinding someone with
your light makes them more haz-
ardous. People get mad at that sort
of thing, as you might imagine, and
sometimes that anger can make them
become aggressive. Don’t be “that
For on-road riding, we suggest
both a front-facing light of at least 400
lumens and a flashing light. The con-
stant light is to see, while the flashing
one is to be seen. This can be as
important at dusk as it is in the dark.
Reflectors are also usually required
on bikes by state law. They’re a really
good idea. In addition to pedal-mount-ed reflectors and spoke-mounted
ones, retro-reflective stripes on tires,
like many that are included as OEM
equipment on bikes, are helpful.
Anything you can do to get a driver’s
attention and make yourself visible.
Bright clothing is also important.
There are cycling-specific clothes that
are retro-reflective, but there are also
plenty of jerseys, shirts and jackets
that have reflective or retro-reflective
stripes that can be just as effective.
Reflective vests, the kind construction
workers and others use with both fluorescent colors and reflective strips, are
inexpensive and will work if you’re on
a budget.
Also, check with your state and
local laws regarding lights. On roads,
generally a forward-facing white light
is required, and sometimes a rear-fac-ing red light as well. These are the
minimum. For example, Florida’s laws
require a white light on the front that
is visible up to at least 500 feet, and
The new Lumos helmet lights up in the
front and back, easily at eye level for
drivers, and the back even has turn
signals with a wireless remote for your
bars. In our experience everyone saw
us when we wore it!
Bright colors make you far more visible to others. If you don’t have purpose-made
cycling clothing with reflective strips, you can wear a simple vest with retro-reflective strips. They’re widely available; we found this one in a thrift store. Reflectors on
the bike and/or reflective tires, like these from Kenda, help a lot with visibility.
A good taillight, like this one by Lezyne,
attaches easily to your seatpost and has
several modes to attract attention and let
drivers know you’re there.
{ LIGHTS }
