5 Points for Optimal Visibility & Lighting on the Bike

Darkness, wetness, and cold don't stop you from getting on your bike and pedaling? Very good, because not only nature but also your own body and mind appreciate it. However, even in the warmer months of the year, visibility can be limited. Therefore, visibility is an ongoing topic in the cycling world.

But what are the dos and don'ts when the weather doesn't provide good visibility? How much visibility do reflective strips provide? What are the differences between fluorescent and reflective clothing? Why is bright clothing a sensible choice even in summer? What should the optimal bike lighting look like?

The questions are almost endless, so we are addressing the following question and its related areas:

What clothing enables the safest ride, whether for the commuter or the seasoned professional on asphalt or gravel?

What to go for - neon colors, reflectors, or fluorescence?

First, we'll explain fluorescent and neon-colored clothing as well as reflective elements. Then, we'll show you the benefits of neon-colored and bright clothing and why it's best to ride with a combination of everything - both in summer and winter.

Fluorescence is a physical reaction in which the clothing or material is brightened by the conversion of invisible UV light into visible light through the incorporated pigments. The pigments that enable this can be applied either through printing or dyeing, but they can also be processed directly into the yarn.

So, what does this mean for clothing? Light is required to activate it. For example, if a fluorescent jacket is not "irradiated" beforehand, it cannot emit light back and offers only a relatively small increase in visibility. So, ideal clothing and other equipment such as fluorescent shoes or helmets are when you ride from bright daylight into the dimming twilight. Here, enough light can be collected to make you more visible by glowing in the dark.

Neon colors can be divided into two categories. On the one hand, they can be a subcategory of daytime fluorescent and glow-in-the-dark colors, which belong to the fluorescent colors. Here, a coating is applied, created by the incorporation of fluorescent pigments. This will emit more visible light than actually received. This is also possible through fluorescence, functioning as explained above. In the other variant, the colors are simply of very high luminosity and color saturation. No physical laws come into play here - it's just vividly colorful! Depending on the processing, either only the color image is applied, or it is additionally supported by fluorescence. So, you need to check whether it is a simple, colorful play of colors or whether it is glow-in-the-dark colors that provide visibility into the dusk.

A particularly frequently used element is piping or patches with reflective material. Brand logos or other design elements are also often visually enhanced with reflective material. But how do these small helpers actually work? Reflection is the bouncing back of waves or radiation. That means a part of the incident light is thrown back. So, when a reflective piping on a jersey is illuminated by a headlight, it reflects the light. Depending on the quality of the material and the strength of the incident light, more or less light is used, making you more visible to other road users.

It is crucial here where the reflectors are placed. If they are located in areas that move more, the chance of capturing and reflecting a light beam increases. They are particularly popular on the back and other areas not in direct view of the cyclist. Reflectors are not only found on clothing but also increasingly on shoes and helmets. Innovative and highly sought after are also feather-light wind jackets that consist entirely of reflective material. High visibility does not mean heavy weight. Reflective clothing is particularly suitable for rides in the dark or when transitioning from night to day.

Various reflectors are preferably used, especially on dark clothing. Because it is definitely more resistant to dirt and is still the preferred choice. Especially when dark colors come into play, manufacturers today pay attention to these details. The following types of reflectors and their placements are particularly popular:

• taped seams with reflection
• reflective piping on sides and back
• continuously reflective finishes on back pockets
• logos, inscriptions, and design elements that reflect
• reflective strips on chest, back, and arms

Therefore, you can also trust gray or black cycling clothing when the weather doesn't cooperate. But please pay attention to the quantity, size, and placement of the reflectors!

Nevertheless, the higher contrast of bright clothing against the cityscape, as well as the countryside or bike path, stimulates the eye more and increases your visibility and thus your safety. Even on clear summer days, you are better off with bright or conspicuously colorful gear.

We recommend: the mix makes it!

In the dark season, it is necessary to constantly adapt to rather poor visibility. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for a combination of brightly colored, fluorescent cycling clothing with as many reflectors as possible. In order to prevent excessive washing and thus increased wear and tear on the membranes, especially with rainwear, dark cycling clothing should also be taken into account. Here, the combination of a neon-colored jersey and a reflective cycling vest or cycling jacket is recommended. Especially for commuters who ride in the twilight towards work in the morning and in the dark back home in the evening.

Reflective cycling clothing does not stop with cycling jackets and vests. Also, highly visible cycling shorts offer a large area that is ideal for bright colors and reflectors. Especially when it gets wet, rain cycling pants with additional reflectors in exposed areas optimize your visibility. Because as visible as the colorful and bright clothing may be - ride through mud or dirty water once, and you look "like a pig".

Both the commuter and the road cyclist should also focus on striking accessories on the road, such as reflective shoes, neon-colored socks, and fluorescent gloves. But also, bicycle gaiters and helmet covers should not be underestimated. These are constantly in motion and increase safety due to increased visibility. The reason for this is that the human eye reacts more strongly to movement, and the effect is intensified. Additionally, your speed can be better estimated by others.

Also, do not forget the helmet here. Since the head is the highest point of every cyclist, it should be emphasized. It is best to use a bright or neon-colored model. If that's a bit too flashy, and you prefer to ride with subtle colors, you can easily replicate the same effect. For upgrading, there are additionally mountable helmet lights and insertable LED lights. Some well-known manufacturers like Bell have even started to equip helmets directly with small LED lights.

Important: Reflective or neon-colored clothing/equipment cannot replace full lighting on the bike!

The probably simplest and most cost-effective means to increase your visibility in traffic are safety vests and reflective ankle straps. But in a time when cycling is becoming more popular but also riskier, you should opt for protection that can do more. This primarily includes the proper illumination of the bike.

Why you should realize more than just a light on the bike

What kind of lightning does a bicycle need? If one of the conditions listed below is not met, the bike is considered not roadworthy, and fines as well as points can be imposed depending on your current cuntry. If you look around on the streets from time to time, lighting seems obsolete for some. With this, they are not only a danger to themselves but also to others. Therefore, here is the basics of bike lighting.

1. When does it need to be lit?
The bike must be illuminated in twilight, darkness, and when visibility conditions require it. This means the lighting does not have to be permanently mounted, but it must be properly installed and functional when it matters. So, you can leave your lights off during the day, but you should always have them with you.

2.  Where and how should the lighting be installed?
The front headlight must be white, while the rear light must be red. Both lights must be positioned as far to the left as possible. However, they should not be mounted more than 40 cm from the widest point of the vehicle outline. Both lights must not be higher than 120 cm above the road surface. It is important that the position of the lights does not change even on gravel roads. Additionally, they must not be obscured, i.e., not dirty.

Tip for those who like it dirty: Check before and after each ride if all lights and reflectors are operational and clean.

3. What reflectors are required, and where should they be installed?
So-called retroreflective devices must be white facing forward and red facing backward. The reflectors may be integrated with the light source in one unit. The red large area reflector, also called the Z-reflector, must explicitly not have a triangular shape.

Additional reflectors must be installed on the pedals. These must shine forward and backward and be yellow.

4. What possible reflectors are there for spokes and rims?
There are several options for wheel reflectors.

Firstly, there are the classic cat's eyes. At least two must be installed per wheel and offset by 180 degrees. These must also be yellow. For those who prefer a bit more, up to four reflectors per wheel can be installed at 90-degree intervals. However, this must be consistent for both wheels.

White reflectors are also permissible, located on every spoke of each wheel. Installation is super easy and quick thanks to spoke clips.

Another alternative is a ring-shaped, reflective white strip on the rim or tire. This must not be interrupted.

5. How to recognize legally approved lighting for traffic?
To be considered legally compliant lighting, each light source and reflector must be approved in the respective country. Essentially, anything where the dazzling effect does not exceed a certain level is approved. Additionally, the light field must be even, and several other factors must be met. Some lights can blink, but this is not allowed; it is intended to serve as an SOS signal in case of an accident.

If you are unsure whether the lighting or reflectors are sufficient, your dealer can provide more information. Also, the alignment of your lighting is crucial. It must not dazzle other road users. To avoid this, the reflectors on the surface are also broken or have a non-smooth surface.

Consultation is also recommended when buying front and rear lights. Depending on the application, there are various criteria that must be met. Lights whose light field is slightly wider, for example, due to a glass extended further outward, are generally useful. This way, the light beam can better indicate the longitudinal side of the wheel.  

Our Conclusion

So, bad weather is no reason to give up cycling. Just like darkness and miserable weather. Only the right equipment is needed, and a bit of motivation to overcome the inner inertia. Now, as the days get shorter and the nights longer, it's the ideal time to check your own bike and get it ready for autumn and winter. Also, your cycling wardrobe can be upgraded now, so you are well-prepared for bad, cool weather and, above all, highly visible! 

P.S.: If you have any further questions, feel free to leave us a comment or email us your concerns conveniently. We are happy to advise you!