Nighttime riding reflector strategy

[Patrick Moore]

I’m curious to know what types and combinations of reflective gear others think are most effective = safe. To date my own practice is to use both left-side reflective ankle band and some sort of torso-mounted reflective gear, but IIRC Peter While suggests that it is the reflective ankle band that is the most important reflector. (Peter, please correct if I’m wrong.)

My purpose is to simplify riding kit in cold weather night time riding. If I can safety dispense with reflective Sam Browne belt or reflective triangle belt because I have highly reflective ankle bands on both legs — is a leftside ankle band sufficient??? — it would remove approx 57 seconds and a huge deal of annoyance in pre-ride accessory prep.

Thanks.

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Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

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[Eric Norris]

Lee Mitchell, who drove thousands of miles behind cyclists supporting events over a period or decades here in NorCal, said that the most effective piece of reflective gear (in fact, I think it may have been the most effective piece of nighttime visibility gear of any kind) is reflective ankle bands. 

The combination of reflectivity and movement attract the attention of motorists and identify you as a cyclist.

 I use other gear (lights and reflective vest) at night, but always in combination with ankle bands.

--Eric Norris
campyo...@me.com
Insta: @CampyOnlyGuy
YouTube: YouTube.com/CampyOnlyGuy 

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[Bill Lindsay]

Correct

One of these on each ankle (On Sale at Riv for $7 each):   Reflector - Ankle, RAR – Rivendell Bicycle Works

One of these hanging from the saddle rails of each bike:   Reflector - Mini Triangle – Rivendell Bicycle Works

The OP frequently claims to be a devout and stern hooks-rider, so I would think any reflective gear wrapped about the torse is being deliberately and devoutly hidden because he's so hunched over in devotion to the flat-backed heroes of the past.  Leave that stuff at home unless you decide to ride upright.  

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[JohnS]

Hello Patrick,

You didn't ask, but I have to recommend tires with reflective sidewalls. When I commuted, I thought they were as valuable to my safety as generator lights (front and rear). This was when I had my QB set up for commuting, so the tires were not supple and were more puncture resistant than the tires on my other bikes.

Regards,

JohnS

[Edwin W]

I have a light up front, a light in back (dynamo powered, steady lights) and

Triangle - reflective https://www.rivbike.com/products/big-reflecto-triangle?_pos=2&_sid=74cbd3652&_ss=r

Reflective pedals https://www.rivbike.com/products/mks-rmx-sneaker-pedals?srsltid=AfmBOopwe2JthCJP7vgy9Fop8Q15fSQ2CAWXDX9Zte-JKNHFsDm6wyK8

Wheel reflectors for side visibility https://www.amazon.com/MGMSINYO-Reflector-Reflectors-Bicycle-Warning/dp/B0CFLJJ29Y?gQT=1&th=1&psc=1

I believe in ankle bands, but I don't like anything I have to add everything I get on a bike... which is every day.

Edwin

[Nick A.]

On my basket bike (the one most likely to be ridden in the dark around town), I use:

Hi-vis reflective vest

Reflective stickers on the helmet

Reflective stickers on the sides of the front fork

Reflective sidewall tires (Continental Contact Urban 700x40)

Reflective stickers on the outside of my chuck taylors

Reflector pedals

SWRVE jeans with 3M reflective fabric sewn into the outside seams, cuffed

Rear triangle reflector

Front headlight

Two rear blinkies

and battery powered Xmas lights wrapped around the rear triangle.

Nick, trying to stay really visible in NOVA

[Huston]

Here's a link to the Randonneurs USA's Rules for Riders.  Article 10 describes the reflectivity requirements: vest (front and back) and ankle bands.  There is an entire reflectivity guide that is hyperlinked in Article 10.

--Huston

Lexington, KY

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks, all. The consensus (and the RUSA requirements) is reflective ankle bands on both legs and some sort of large reflective device showing on the front and back of the torso. So my Sam Browne is just the thing.

I carry a good (German spec if largely on the road) battery headlight backup to an Edeluxe I or a K-Lite (depending whether I’ll be riding off road) and use 2 red rear lights, either a steady dynamo LED and a battery blinky or 2 of the first.

I can see the value of reflective sidewall strips, but unfortunately RH tires don’t have them. My Ortlieb panniers also have reflective patches.

[Eric Norris]

Patrick:

I also use these in all my night bikes:

Super visible at night. 

–Eric N

On Dec 16, 2024, at 4:50 PM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:



Thanks, all. The consensus (and the RUSA requirements) is reflective ankle bands on both legs and some sort of large reflective device showing on the front and back of the torso. So my Sam Browne is just the thing.

I carry a good (German spec if largely on the road) battery headlight backup to an Edeluxe I or a K-Lite (depending whether I’ll be riding off road) and use 2 red rear lights, either a steady dynamo LED and a battery blinky or 2 of the first.

I can see the value of reflective sidewall strips, but unfortunately RH tires don’t have them. My Ortlieb panniers also have reflective patches.

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[Will Boericke]

I'll be honest - I ride every weekday late afternoon/evening on my commute without any reflective gear (other than the patches on my Ortliebs and whtecees built into clothes) , just dynamo light + 2 blinkies.  

Now that I've said this, my winter boots have a reflective heel and my rain gear has integrated reflective screen -ons.  Hmm

 

Will near Boston

[Jay]

I have a Garmin Varia tail light that I use on all rides.  That tells me if there are cars behind me, that way I can be cautious (say if I'm approaching some rough pavement, a narrowing shoulder, etc.).  At night I use a reflective vest (more like a belt with a an x-pattern in the back, and looks like suspenders in the front.  In the colder temps my winter overshoes have a reflective strip on the back.  I agree with what others stated above, ankle bands make a lot of sense given the motion.  Those RedShift pedals looks effective as well.  

[Patrick Moore]

A timely substack post from Kent Peterson on night riding:

[Bob Walicki]

These things are awesome. I put them on my Surly Disc Trucker - which was my main commuter whip until it sadly was stolen. 

Now, I'm asking Santa for another batch for my current commuter... Christmas cannot come soon enough! It's possible they're also made of straight cancer, but man they work well.

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[Michael Morrissey]

Of all the hi-viz, lights, and reflectors I have ever bought, this is my favorite and I think the most effective: a red light for the back of my helmet.

https://www.giro.com/p/roc-loc-5-led-light/100000000900000008.html

Just like the reflectors on your pedals going up and down, this one goes back and forth because I turn my head to look at everything. 

I also have these, which are quite visible too:

https://kikkerland.com/products/bike-spoke-reflectors-12?srsltid=AfmBOorP52h967x3kpHlvX1-rDHUt2LfskJXHLHr1-MTEl84WkyFE2ky

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