This was going to be a simple review on using iron-on reflective tape to enhance your visibility while riding. But with recent news of many cars hitting cyclists, I have decided to do my part to try and keep cyclists safer on the road.
I am young. When I first started riding I never even wore a helmet. I first thought they didn’t look “cool”. (I had one, I just didn’t wear it until I moved to Oregon). This article is NOT about whether you should wear a helmet or not. That all depends on how you are riding and where, and it’s up to you. I will say I now think helmets look cool, and is a great place to put reflective tape or even small lights. I wear mine, and now feel weird if I walk out of the house without having it on, even when I know I’m not riding my bike.
I’ve come a long way since my early years of riding, and have now started using most all safety items. Even thought I never thought I would.
In order of when I started using them:
- Front blinking light
- Any number of blinking rear light depending on where and how long I am gone.
- Helmet
- 200 lumen front light
- Any number of blinking rear lights depending on where and how long I am gone.
- In wheel orange lights
- Reflective tape on helmet, bike, and anything else. More Here
- ANSI Class 2 Reflective Vest (something I never thought I would do)
- 115db Air-horn
- Bicycle Bell (yes, I got a bell after the horn)
- Iron on reflective tape for jackets
All these things help you be seen and hopefully keep you out of danger by other cyclists, pedestrians, and car drivers. This was really just going to be about adding some reflection to your person right now. There are a number of ways to help you be seen while riding.
Photos and more about staying visible and safe after the page break.
Bread Bike 