How To Be More Visible On Your Bike While Out Riding

Today more than ever bike safety is a major concern.

With distracted drivers and road hazards cyclists need to give serious thought to different ways to become more visible on your bike.

In the past it was easy to just throw some reflectors on your bike and call it a day but simply put, those days are over folks.

Luckily there are a ton of bike safety products to help us to make ourselves more easily seen among all the hustle and bustle.

Let’s talk about biomotion

What is it exactly?

Biomotion is the idea of not just adding bright color or reflective pieces to you wardrobe or bike, but to adding in areas that move with you or your bike.

By adding bright or reflective pieces to the moving parts of your body (feet,ankles,legs etc.) or to your bicycle (wheels,spokes,cranks,tires etc.) you are creating movement.

This is movement that draws the human eye.

In doing this you are much more likely to stand out among other bikes or vehicles on the road.

It has been shown that incorporating biomotion pieces into to your cycling gear is a great way to become more visible on your bike.

It will greatly enhance your chance to be seen by distracted drivers.

Adding biomotion to your mix of gear is easy

#1 – Blinking lights

The first and easiest way to add movement is of course a blinking tail light or headlight. These lights blink, causing flashing light patterns that catch the eye.

#2 – Relective ankle straps

A oldie but a goodie, reflective ankle straps have been around for decades. They are an inexpensive and easy to use piece to add to your wardrobe.

#3 – Neon shoe covers

These shoe covers or “booties” go over your shoes. As you pedal you cause a circular motion that can really draw the eyes.

#5 – Neon leg warmers

Leg warmers cover the lower part of your legs if you are wearing shorts so that your legs don’t get cold. The essentially become an extension of your shorts, creating a tights like setup.

#6 – Flashing wheel lights

Wheel lights attach to your spokes, as the wheel turns it creates a circle of light that can be seen from the side by oncoming vehicles and cyclists.

#7 – Reflective tires

Today, many bike tires are available with reflective sidewalls or piping on the side of the tire that is visible when light hit it. This creates a circle of white light that really stands out if viewed from the side.

Let’s wrap it up shall we

We all want to be safe and be seen while out riding right?

By following some or all of our suggestions we’ve listed you will take a huge step towards standing out in traffic while riding your bike or commuting to or from work.

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this article and please feel free to comment below or share it with friends or family who can benefit from this piece.

Happy pedaling!

– The Dedham Bike Crew