Cycling Visibility: How to Stay Visible While Riding on the Road

If you are an avid cyclist, you enjoy a fun, healthy, and environmentally-friendly form of transportation. You do need to remember, however, bikes are smaller than traditional passenger cars, so you will need to do more to stand out when out on the roads. Most accidents happen because drivers fail to see the cyclist. There are several things that you can do to make sure you stand out. Improving visibility can significantly decrease your chances of being involved in a crash with a car. Here are some tips for staying visible while cycling:

• Dress to be seen. You should wear bright fluorescent colors. Wear bright orange, hot pink, lime green, and neon yellow. A brightly colored jersey or jacket will stand out. A neon vest with reflectors, like highway workers wear, would also work. You want to stand out as much as possible. If you wear green, blue, brown, or white, you are much more likely to blend in to the landscaping.
• Reflectors or reflective stickers and gear! You should make sure you have plenty of reflectors on your bike and your clothing if you venture out after dusk or before dawn. Reflectors also help during rain and snow or foggy weather. Reflective bands can be used on the ankles and wrists. You can use reflective gear on your legs, back and chest. Put reflectors or reflective stickers on moving parts of the bike of your bike for even better visibility through motion.
• Proper lighting is required by law. You will need to have a clear headlight that is visible for 200-to 300 feet depending on your location. A red taillight is also required. You can set this up to flash when cycling during the day, so you will be noticed much more quickly. You might want to add a flashing LED light on your back, chest, or helmet. 
• Follow the traffic laws. You want to obey traffic laws and ride predictably, so drivers will know where you are heading. If you cut in and out of traffic, swerve, or ride between lanes, then they aren’t going to notice you and you are much more likely to be hit by a car. 
• Don’t stop on the right-hand side of vehicle. If you are on the right of a larger vehicle, such as a bus or a truck at an intersection, you might be hidden or in their blind spot. They could make a right turn and run you over. Always stop behind the vehicle, so you don’t have to worry about them not knowing you are there. 
• Place yourself in the lane, so you are noticed. You don’t want to ride up against the curb because cars might get too close and hit you with their mirror. You want to be placed in the lane so they will have to go out to go around you. You want them to notice you and take action because of your location. 

With the proper attentiveness, you can make yourself more visible so drivers will notice you and you will be less likely to be in a crash. 

This article was provided by www.personalinjury-law.com, an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only. Be sure to review your local cycling ordinances to ensure you ride safe and legally.