Flashing Lights and Bright Jerseys: Do They Really Make Cyclists Safer?
Cyclists have long been told to "make yourself visible," and for good reason. Unlike the 2-ton metal boxes that dominate our roadways, we are small, quiet, and easily overlooked. But does the growing arsenal of visibility tools we strap on — from neon kits to strobe lights — actually make us safer?
Let’s break it down.
The Power of the Flash
Flashing rear lights — especially during the day — are now almost standard on serious cyclists’ rigs. And for good reason.
Studies have shown that a flashing rear light during daylight hours can reduce the chance of a collision by as much as 19%. It cuts through visual clutter in a way a static object simply can’t. Think of it like a cyclist waving their hand in the visual periphery of a driver — a movement that demands attention, if only for a second. And that second can save your life.
From personal experience, I feel more confident when I’ve got my lights pulsing, especially on open roads or in low-light conditions like dawn and dusk. Drivers seem to give a bit more space, or maybe just notice me a bit earlier. Either way, it feels like an edge — and I’ll take every edge I can get.
The Case for High-Vis Clothing
Then there’s the wardrobe. Neon yellow, bright orange, electric green — not exactly flattering, but undeniably eye-catching.
Some cyclists bristle at the idea of dressing like a traffic cone, but research supports the trend. A Transport Research Laboratory study found that fluorescent clothing increases detection distance during the day — sometimes doubling the distance at which a driver spots a cyclist. At night, reflective material on moving parts (ankles, knees) is even more effective.
But there’s a nuance here. A bright jersey alone won’t help much if your lower half blends into the shadows. That’s why combining motion-based visibility (reflective ankle bands, shoe lights) with static visibility (jerseys, helmets) creates a layered safety effect.
The Real Question: Is It Enough?
All this gear — the LEDs, the neon kits, the reflective bits — it helps. But let’s be honest: it’s a layer of defense, not a guarantee.
Visibility is important, but it can’t compensate for a distracted or reckless driver. I've had near misses in full daylight, decked out like a lighthouse. You begin to realize: being seen doesn’t always mean being respected.
So, yes — flash those lights. Wear that obnoxiously bright jersey. Stack the odds in your favor. But don’t let that trick you into a false sense of security. Stay alert. Ride predictably. Assume nothing.
Final Thoughts from the Saddle
Every tool we have — from our wits to our wardrobe — adds up to a better chance of making it home. I’ll keep using my lights. I’ll keep wearing gear that makes me look like I lost a bet in a paint store. Because out there, on the shoulder of a 55-mph highway, I’d rather be seen than stylish. I'd rather be overprepared than memorialized.
The road is still ours to ride. Let’s make sure we stay visible — and vigilant — every mile of the way.
