A-B-C – Always On, Bio-Motion, Contrast
Here’s a quick rundown of the best strategies for standing out, being seen, and staying safe by making yourself more visible on your bike.
A – Always On
It might be surprising, but most cycling crashes happen in the daytime – about 80% of accidents involving cars and bikes. It’s well-proven that daytime running lights improve safety for motor vehicles – and it works for cyclists too. Make yourself more visible with always-on lighting, both front and rear. Choose LED lights for their efficiency, and opt for multiple points of light, the more the better. Bright steady lights are great for illuminating your path for your own benefit in the dark, as well as catching attention anytime. Slow flashes or strobe effects are especially good for commanding awareness from drivers, day and night.
B – Bio-Motion
Research shows that reflective material worn at the major joints of the body increases recognition of pedestrians in the dark by motorists. The biggest improvement of recognition though, comes with highlights worn on the ankles, especially when the pedestrian is walking. The findings apply to cyclists too: reflective or fluorescent accents on the lower legs increase your visibility and recognizability to drivers more than anything else you can do. Here’s the research.
Take a look at the Terry Psychlo Tight, developed around this idea.
C – Contrast
The key to being visible is to stand out against your surroundings. At night that means lighting yourself up against the dark with reflective material. In the daytime it means switching to bright colors that contrast with roads, buildings, and greenery. Fluorescent colors do that job best.
Remember your A-B-Cs for better visibility on your bike, day and night (and don’t forget a good helmet, properly adjusted!).
Be safe out there!