Staying Visible on a Bicycle

Cycling is one of the healthiest ways (and most fun!) to get from point A to point B. Whether you’re cycling on a designated bicycle path or commuting into work, staying visible is an important component of any ride. Here are some top ways you can ensure pedestrians, other cyclists, and motorists can see you on your next ride. 

​Tip #1: Dress for the Time of Day
Try choosing your attired depending on the time of day you’ll be going for a ride. When you’re cycling during the daytime, wear at least one piece of clothing that’s florescent. Lime green is the most visible color you can wear in the daytime. At night, it’ll be pretty hard to see any colors. When cycling at night opt for something that’s reflective. That way a pedestrian’s flashlight or a motorist’s headlights will help you stand out.

Tip #2: Slow Down!
It’s important to ride safely, especially while using a greenway or other designated travel path. If you’re cycling 20 miles per hour, you’ll have traveled at least 25 feet by the time you’re even able to even react to an obstacle in the distance. Stopping in time will be even more challenging. By slowing down you’ll have more time to avoid people in the path or cars on the road, and others sharing the road will have more time to see your approach. 

Tip #3: Invest in a Better Bell
The bell your bicycle came with is typically pretty weak. It’s cute and all, but you won’t really get someone’s attention with a quiet bell. Buying a louder bell from your local cycle shop or even online can go a long way in alerting pedestrians in particular to your location. A lot of cyclists recommend SpurCycle bells, but there are many options you could choose from.

Tip #4: Use Turn Signals
Turn signals are important for any cyclist on the street or even on a designated bicycle path. By signaling when you’re turning at an intersection or a fork in the road, you notify others where you’re traveling and give them time to make room accordingly. Unfortunately, common cyclist hand signals (such as raising your left arm to signal a right turn) can be confusing to non-cyclists. It’s usually a safer idea to simply point in the direction you’re about to turn in. 

Tip #5: Add Additional Reflectors
Many bicycles come with red rear reflectors, pedal reflectors, and a white headlight, but bicycles bought in high-end bike shops are often missing all of these. Adding reflectors is critical to making sure people can see you, especially if you’re usually on the trail in the morning or the evening. Flashing front white lights and spoke lights are inexpensive additions that help you stand out even if it’s completely dark outside. You can even add reflectors to your helmet (which you should always wear!). ​

​Safe riding! Hope to see you on the South Platte or Cherry Creek trail this summer!

This article was created by Personal Injury Help, an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only. Be sure to review your local cycling ordinances to ensure you ride safe and legally.