The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Updated May 29, 2026 🚴 Real Stories from the Road: I’ve ridden over 155,000 miles — from desert highways to mountain passes — and visibility has saved me more times than I can count. This post is not theory. It is how I try to stay seen when drivers are distracted, rushed, or simply not looking for a cyclist. When I ride in traffic or low light, I assume one thing from the start: a driver may not see me. That sounds negative, but it has probably kept me safer over the years than any one slogan ever could. A lot of close calls on a bike are really visibility problems. The driver says, “I didn’t see you.” Sometimes they mean it. Sometimes they were distracted. Either way, that does not help the cyclist. So my goal is simple: make myself harder to miss and give myself more warning when traffic is coming up behind me. After more than 155,000 miles, these are the visibility habits and products I trust most. Quick Take: The best cycling ...

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 A 70-year-old cyclist shares a real encounter that highlights why visibility saves lives. Bright jerseys, strong lights, and reflective gear aren’t optional—they’re survival tools. Quick Take: Wearing bright colors, using strong lights, and adding reflective gear dramatically increases your visibility to drivers. These tools save lives—and after 60+ years of cycling, I can tell you they’re worth every penny. Cyclist in a Bright Yellow Jersey: Why Visibility Matters Not long ago, I was driving with a new acquaintance when he spotted a cyclist up ahead wearing a bright yellow jersey. The rider was predictable, straight, and riding safely. My acquaintance made an offhanded—and honestly disturbing—comment that cyclists are pretentious and “need to be hit” to realize they’re not special. I looked at him and said, “I’m a cyclist too.” Then I told him the truth: I don’t ride to be noticed. I ride because I love it. And I wear bright colors f...