The ABC’s of Visibility in Cycling

The ABC’s of Visibility in Cycling

A. Always on – Daytime Running Lights

Question: Who needs to use a light on their bike? The answer is simple, anyone who wants to be seen by motor vehicles while riding.  Studies have shown that adding a daytime running light improves visibility of cyclists to drivers up to 240%.   Whether the cyclist is an avid adult rider or your child on the way to or from school, daytime running lights could be the difference that prevents a collision.  

Adding a daytime running light improves visibility of cyclists to drivers up to 240%

B. Biomotion

We are wired to recognize other humans before any other object. Human movement distinguishes riders from their surroundings. That is the idea behind biomotion. If you high light your feet and knees, your moving parts with fluorescent or reflective material, you will stand out to drivers. Riders who effectively use biomotion will increase the likelihood of being seen by up to 83%.  

C. Contrast 

Often riders think their fluorescent clothing will be seen at night or their reflective pieces will be seen during the day, but this is far from true. Fluorescent colors need UV light to activate and motor vehicle lights do not emit UV rays.  A cyclist who wants to increase their contrast should use fluorescent colors during the day and reflective at night. It is recommended to always use a light while riding, day or night. '


Improving your visibility while riding is as simple as ABC. Stop by Good Bike Co. to shop a great selection of lights for your bike and to answer any of your questions.