Urban commuting, training rides, leisure outings — whatever the nature of your journey, safety should not be taken lightly, especially at night or in low-light conditions. In addition to active lighting (i.e. that which emits its own light) and the mandatory reflectors, there are many complementary devices, intended either for the cyclist themselves or for their bike.
But how do you choose the accessories best suited to your riding style? Here are a few tips.
THE DIFFERENT EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
- Equipment for the cyclist: textile, belt, armband, helmet, covers
- Equipment for the bike: spray, tyres, danger deflector, stickers, bags
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REFLECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
CYCLIST VISIBILITY
Most brands offer their range of clothing and accessories in a high-visibility version to add this safety function to their primary purpose. There are also specific products designed solely to enhance cyclist protection. Here are the main products available on the market.
Reflective textile
From jackets to trousers, including gloves, gilets and overshoes, you will find for the vast majority of cycling clothing and accessories a version designed with reflective fabric or reflective inserts. They are generally offered in a fluorescent yellow colour providing even greater visibility and safety, but sometimes come in more neutral colours for those who do not wish to sacrifice aesthetics.
You will also find in this category the safety vest — the wearing of which is mandatory outside built-up areas, it should be noted. Alongside the traditional model, there are also more refined models that allow you to combine style and safety.
Safety belt
An interesting alternative to the vest, the safety belt has the dual advantage of being lightweight and fitting perfectly, providing good visibility both front and rear as well as excellent comfort in use.
Armband
Nothing is simpler or quicker to put on than a reflective armband. While some models have self-rolling properties, others feature a velcro strap for a compression-free fit. Others also incorporate LEDs for enhanced visibility.
Helmet
Many helmets now incorporate reflective inserts. On some models you will even find an integrated rear lighting system. This system sometimes features an accelerometer that activates a brake light when you brake.
Backpack cover and helmet cover
In addition to offering a large reflective surface, these products effectively protect against rain and are compactable, taking up minimal space once packed away. They allow you to use your existing equipment in optimal safety conditions, without having to buy a new bag or a specific helmet.
BIKE VISIBILITY
The other option for increasing your visibility and thereby enhancing your safety, which can complement the cyclist's equipment, is to add safety accessories to your bike. Requiring, in most cases, a very modest investment, they can do you a great service by making you visible to other road users.
Reflective spray
Economical, and as simple to use as it is effective, reflective spray allows you to give reflective properties to any object, with visibility up to 50 metres while remaining completely invisible during the day. Water-resistant and compatible with all types of material, it poses no risk to your bike and the treatment can last up to twelve months. In addition to the bike, it can also be used without any problem on your clothing, shoes, helmet...
Tyres and danger deflectors
Many tyres, especially urban models, are fitted with reflective sidewalls. The advantage is that they provide lateral visibility, where lighting sometimes reaches its limits. These tyres are particularly useful in town at intersections, helping you to be clearly seen by vehicles approaching from the side.
The danger deflector is a simple accessory that nonetheless fulfils a dual function. While it encourages motorists to keep their distance, it also greatly increases your visibility thanks to the integrated reflector. On the downside, it slightly hampers manoeuvrability and the ability to filter through traffic.
Reflective stickers
Made from glass powder, these stickers are easy to apply to your frame, handlebars, or brake levers and provide excellent 360° visibility. All in a discreet and lightweight yet effective way.
Spoke clips
Like stickers, reflective spoke clips install in seconds on wheel spokes. Made from reflective material, they stay firmly in place once fitted and will create a unique visual effect after dark!
Handlebar bags/rack bags
Luggage manufacturers now all offer a range dedicated to visibility. Based on the design of classic models, these products are made from reflective fabric combining practicality and safety.
WHAT EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES FOR MY RIDING STYLE?
High-visibility textiles can represent a significant investment. Designed specifically for cycling, with a more or less fitted cut and a longer rear panel, they nonetheless provide maximum comfort and appreciated practicality for regular riders.
We can therefore only strongly recommend that the road cyclist who regularly rides in winter, or the demanding cycle commuter, equip themselves with, at a minimum, a jacket, supplemented depending on their riding style and needs by trousers, overshoes, a helmet cover and gloves.
Treating the bike with a reflective spray can add extra visibility without altering the appearance of the bike.
For occasional cycling, an armband and/or a safety belt, optionally complemented by a helmet with reflective inserts, will provide the visibility needed for a good level of safety.
For purely urban use, a gilet or even a jacket, combined with reflective tyres, forms a good base. Depending on your preferences, a backpack cover or a high-visibility bag will ideally complete this basic equipment.
Of course, none of these devices exempt you from the mandatory equipment required for bicycle signalling, namely:
- At least 1 yellow/white light and 1 white reflector at the front;
- At least 1 red light and 1 red reflector at the rear. The lighting angle must be at least 120°;
- At least 1 orange reflector on each pedal and on the sides (spokes or tyres).
