1. Why is Cyclist Visibility so Important?
Visibility is essential to prevent accidents. Motor vehicle drivers often find it difficult to see cyclists, especially in low light conditions or at night. A cyclist who is clearly visible is much less likely to be involved in an accident.
Alarming statistics
According to a study by the World Health Organisation (WHO), cyclists account for around 6% of road accident deaths worldwide. In Europe, around 8% of cyclists injured in road accidents are injured because they were not sufficiently visible. 🚨
2. Essential visibility equipment
To improve visibility, a number of items of equipment are available. Here is a list of the essentials:
Bike indicators 🚦
Why opt for bike indicators?
- Easy to use: Often mounted on the handlebars or frame of the bike, indicators are easy to activate without having to take your eyes off the road.
- LED technology: LED indicators are extremely bright and visible even in daylight, ensuring optimum visibility.
Tip: Choose rechargeable indicators for long, hassle-free use. 🚲🔦
Bicycle lights are compulsory in many countries. They allow you not only to see, but also to be seen.
- White front lighting: Provides effective illumination of the road ahead.
- Red rear lighting: Informs drivers of your presence.
Tip: Choose bike lights with LEDs for better visibility and longer life.
Reflective clothing is an excellent way of increasing your visibility. They reflect the light from car headlights, making cyclists much more visible at night.
Recommendation: Wear a reflective waistcoat, especially when cycling at night or in low light conditions.
Reflective strips on bicycles
Reflective strips can be fitted to various parts of the bike, such as the frame, wheels and pedals. They increase the cyclist's lateral visibility.
Lighted helmet
A helmet with an integrated light is an excellent option for increasing the visibility of your head, a part of the body that moves constantly and attracts the attention of drivers. With this in mind, bike helmet indicators have been specially designed to fit all types of helmet perfectly!
In addition to equipment, adopting certain practices can considerably improve your safety.
Choose well-lit roads
Choose roads with good street lighting. Well-lit areas reduce the risk of accidents because drivers can see you from a distance.
Drive in a predictable manner
Drive in such a way that drivers can anticipate your movements. Avoid sudden changes of direction, and always signal your intentions well in advance.
Indicate your changes of direction clearly
Always signal your changes of direction with specially designed bike indicators. This will help drivers understand your intentions and adjust their driving accordingly.
Ride at a safe distance from the kerb. Being too close to the kerb can make you less visible to cars turning or exiting car parks.
Watch out for blind spots
The blind spots of vehicles, especially lorries, can be dangerous. Make sure you are seen by drivers by avoiding staying in their blind spots for too long.
Technology is evolving rapidly, offering new solutions to improve cyclists' visibility.
Flashing waistcoats
Some garments incorporate LED indicators that can be controlled via a remote control attached to the handlebars. Flashing waistcoats for bicycles provide increased visibility and make it clear when you intend to turn.
Speed cameras for cyclists
Speed cameras for cyclists, such as those offered by certain brands, can detect vehicles approaching from behind and warn the cyclist. A warning light or sound will alert you in good time.
Secure Navigation Applications
On its Blog, Motto has produced a very comprehensive analysis of the various navigation applications dedicated to cyclists, which offer safe, well-lit routes. They take account of cycle paths and roads less frequented by cars.
Drivers obviously play a crucial role in the safety of cyclists. Here are a few tips to improve cohabitation on the road:
Slow down near cyclists
When approaching a cyclist, reduce your speed and keep a safe distance. The one-and-a-half-metre rule is often recommended, but all too rarely respected.
Be careful when opening your door
When you open your door, always check your mirrors and blind spots to avoid hitting a cyclist.
Watch out for cycle paths
Respect cycle paths and do not block them. They are designed for the safety of cyclists and blocking them can cause accidents.
Always signal your intentions, especially when turning or changing lanes. This allows cyclists to anticipate your movements.
6. Cyclist testimonials
Raphaël, 39, Marseille
"Since I fitted indicators to my bike, I've noticed a marked improvement in the way drivers react to my movements. They're more respectful of my presence on the road and I feel a lot safer, especially on bends."
Périne, 27, Lille
"The bike indicators have changed the way I ride. Before, signaling my intentions with my arms was sometimes dangerous, especially in heavy traffic. Now, a simple click and drivers know exactly where I'm going. I couldn't live without them!
"I've started using LED lights on my helmet and my visibility has increased considerably. Drivers can see me from a distance and I feel a lot safer."
Guy, 61, Cazillac
"Since I've been wearing a reflective waistcoat, especially in winter, I've noticed that cars keep a safer distance. I feel more confident on the road."
Elise, 28, Paris
"The reflective strips on my bike have made a big difference. Before, I was always scared at night, but now I feel much more visible and safe."
Improving cyclists' visibility is a matter of life and death. Every detail counts, whether it's a simple reflective waistcoat or more advanced technology. By following these various tips and using the right equipment, we can all help to make the road safer for cyclists. 🚴♂️✨
Never forget that safety starts with visibility. Adopt these practices, invest in quality equipment, and make every cycle journey a safe and enjoyable experience. 🚴♀️🌟
Don't hesitate to take a look around our website: https://www.bike-in-light.com where you can find most of the products dedicated to cyclist safety.
Did you enjoy this article? Share it with your cycling friends and together, let's make the roads safer! 🚲💛