Clothing

Best High Viz For Cyclists: Buying Guide For Staying Visible

Best High Viz For Cyclists: Buying Guide For Staying Visible

All cyclists must share the road with other users including cars, vans, trucks and motorbikes and it’s paramount that they be aware of your presence, especially in poor light conditions. We’ve got the lowdown on what you need in our best high viz for cyclists buying guide.


Why do I need High Viz?

Hi-viz works by using fluorescent colours which convert UV light from the sunshine to something we can see during the day. At night it is important to also wear hi viz equipment but ensuring you have full protection with lights and reflectors.

Studies have indicated that fluorescent clothing could increase the distance at which drivers could detect and then recognise cyclists in daylight conditions, and that that retro-reflective materials worn by cyclists at night had a similar effect on driver perceptions.


Check Out Our Best Bike Lights Buying Guide

It is important not to overestimate the effectiveness of hi-viz gear, or assume that the wearing of it overrides normal safety considerations when biking, or the rules of the road.

Read our light buying guide to help you stay more visible on the road.

Check Out Our Best Bike Lights Buying Guide

While the matter of whether or not to wear hi-viz is a personal choice, it’s certainly something to consider for commuters who must negotiate busy city streets in the early morning, at dusk or in conditions of poor visibility (such as mist, fog or rain), as well as for road riders who train under similar circumstances.


What high viz is best for me?

Hi-viz clothing and accessories are characterised by bright, fluorescent colours – yellow, green or orange being the most common – which are designed to stand out clearly against the normal muted backgrounds of city streets or country roads. They will also feature reflective strips or piping which – as the name suggests – reflect the beam from vehicles’ headlights to increase visibility at night and in low light.

What high viz is best for me?

High-Viz is not just limited to jackets, there are multiple different types of hi-viz garments and accessories available to ensure you are more visible while out on your bike. Here are a list of some of the high-viz clothing and accessories we would recommend for cycling:


Jackets

Jackets

With all the functionality and performance of ‘standard’ cycling jackets, including lightweight, waterproof and breathable materials and a small stowage size so they can be easily stored in a backpack or jersey pocket. Hi-viz jackets are the sensible choice for anyone riding in low light conditions or who simply wants to be as visible to other road users as possible.


Gilets

Like jackets, lightweight cycle gilets are available in hi-viz colours for early morning spring training rides or any ride at all. Providing an additional lighter layer to your crisp spring/autumn rides.

Gilets


Vests

Vests

Hi-viz vests will typically emphasise visibility rather than breathability or performance, reflected in their relatively inexpensive price tag. Although perhaps not suitable for long training rides – their non cycle-specific cut and technical limitations soon proving a disadvantage – they are absolutely fine for commuters, walkers or even motorcyclists.


Gloves

Hi-viz cycle gloves are intended to improve visibility of cyclists’ hand signals in poor light conditions. Gloves can vary in thickness, style and protection against the elements.

Gloves

Backpack Covers

Backpack Covers

Perfect for all-season commuters, hi-viz backpack covers will increase your visibility from the rear with the added bonus of keeping the contents of your backpack dry in the event of inclement weather.


Related Articles

Back to top button