Flashing Lights and Bright Jerseys: Do They Really Make Cyclists Safer?

cyclist dressed in bright clothes and a blinking red tail light
Out on the road, especially during long solo rides, I’ve often wondered what really catches a driver’s eye. Is it the rhythmic flash of a rear light? The highlighter-yellow jersey flapping in the wind? Or is it just dumb luck that I’m seen and not sideswiped?

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.

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