High-Visibility for Cycling: Being Seen in Traffic

As soon as summer is over, the days get shorter and the weather worsens, the topic of high-visibility comes into focus. Whether you commute to work by bike, ride with your children to school, or go for a training ride after work: the early darkness in the evening, the late daylight in the morning, or poor visibility due to rain or fog repeatedly lead to tricky situations, especially in autumn and winter, when drivers notice you on your bike very late. 

Even if your bike lights are working perfectly and comply with legal requirements, as a cyclist, you are not always noticed in time by other road users. Therefore, the rule is: increase your visibility! Your body is the largest surface you can make visible in traffic. So, focus on eye-catching, bright colours, reflective applications, and additional lights on your clothing, helmet, and bags! These simple measures can make the difference between being seen and being overlooked. 

Vests, jackets, and pants: Bright cycling clothing for dark days 

The classic piece of high-visibility gear (also called high-vis or hi-vis) is the safety vest: neon yellow with reflective elements or made entirely of reflective material. Worn over a jacket, the safety vest is suitable for all weather conditions, it's inexpensive, and when you don't need it, you can simply store it in a backpack or bag. Even better than just a vest are neon-coloured, fluorescent hi-vis jackets and trousers with reflective stripes. They are a bit more expensive, but they increase visibility enormously (even during the day) because the entire body is used as a hi-vis surface. You'll need a thermal jacket or raincoat and suitable pants anyway in the dark, cold season to commute or train comfortably. If a neon jacket or trousers are too much for you, you can opt for more subtle colours and ensure there are sufficient and well-placed reflective stripes. 

In our range, you will find particularly visible clothing in the hi-vis collections from Endura, Wowow, and others. 

Bags and backpacks: Reflective elements and neon-coloured rain covers 

Especially if you commute or manage your daily life by bike, you can specifically use bag(s) and a backpack to improve your visibility on the bike in the dark. When buying new, pay attention to highly visible colours, integrated reflective stripes, and loops for attaching lights! But you can also easily upgrade your existing equipment: neon-coloured, reflective covers are a simple and effective solution! With bright rain covers, others in traffic see you better – and if you're caught in a downpour, your laptop or groceries will stay dry too. 

Some manufacturers also have a special high-visibility collection. For example, there are reflective ORTLIEB bags and backpacks with an interwoven reflective yarn in plain black or bright neon yellow, which impressively and extensively light up in headlights at night. 

Further tips for safe cycling in autumn and winter: 

• Use well-lit (bike) paths wherever possible – and expect the unexpected! Even if you can see other road users clearly, it doesn't mean they can see you just as well. Ride proactively! 
• Communication is everything – and not just in poor visibility. Use clear hand signals to indicate what you are about to do! 
• Ride with a rear-view mirror or even a Varia radar from Garmin: this way you're always aware of what's happening behind you! A look over the shoulder can be risky, especially in the dark. While you are looking around, you can easily miss a pothole or obstacle, and there is also a risk of unintentional swerving. 
• Children need extra visibility: if you are out with children, fluorescent, reflective clothing and school bags are a must. A safety vest should also be standard equipment. 
• We explain how to equip your kid's bike to be roadworthy in the article "Kids' Bike? But safe! Regulations for road-safe children's bikes". Choose a safe route to school together – even if it takes a few minutes longer. Safety first! 

FAQ: High-Visibility for Cycling 

How can I make my bike more visible?

With brightly coloured, fluorescent clothing and reflectors, cyclists are visible much earlier. For example, wear a neon-coloured, reflective jacket and attach additional reflectors to the bike! 

Which reflectors are mandatory on a bike?

The StVZO stipulates: a white reflector at the front and a red one at the back. In addition, pedals, front and rear wheels must each be equipped with two yellow reflectors (cat's eyes). Instead of cat's eyes, your wheels can be equipped with a continuous reflective stripe on the tyre sidewalls or with reflective clips on each spoke. 

Are safety vests or neon jackets better?

A safety vest over your jacket is inexpensive and immediately noticeable. However, a neon-coloured jacket with reflective stripes is better as it makes you visible all around. 

How do you make a child's bike visible?

For children, neon-yellow helmets, bright safety vests, and reflective stickers on the bike frame help. The school bag should also be bright, fluorescent, and equipped with reflective stripes. 

How do I adjust my bike light correctly?

Aim the headlight so that the near area is illuminated without dazzling oncoming road users. The manufacturer's manual will tell you more details. LEDs with an automatic function (daytime running light/low beam) are also ideal. 

Do I need a safety vest when cycling?

In Germany, wearing a safety vest while cycling is not legally required, but it is highly recommended in poor visibility and darkness. Even better is a neon-colored, reflective jacket that makes you fully visible.

In the following European countries, safety vests are mandatory for cyclists under certain conditions:

• France – outside built-up areas at night or in poor visibility
• Italy – from dusk and in tunnels
• Spain – at night outside urban areas
• Hungary – in poor visibility outside built-up areas
• Lithuania – always at night; during the day on roads as an alternative to mandatory lights