Why cyclists should be visible all day, all year round

Cycling is great, but what's even better is being able to enjoy getting out on the bike in the lighter and brighter weather. Less layers to put on, longer hours on the bike and having your coffee alfresco with your cycling friends sitting in the sun.   

While it's great that cyclists are able to get out on the bike more often and for longer in the brighter weather, you still need to think about our visibility on the road, even when the sun is shining.

Here at See.Sense daylight visibility has been really important to us right from the start. When you consider that 80% of cycling accidents happen during the day, attracting attention to other road users as early as possible during these times is really quite crucial.

Think about modern day cars, they have their lights running almost any time you see them on the road. Why shouldn't it be the same, if not even more important for cyclists?

Daytime Running Lights

Daytime running lights (or DRLs) are designed to make vehicles more visible in bright, daytime conditions. The lights should come on automatically when the engine is started.

DRLs have been fitted into all new cars and vans in the EU as a legal requirement since 2011. A study in the UK by the AA found that dedicated DRLs could improve the visibility of cars in dim light. So if something as large as a car needs to be seen during daylight hours, we think cyclists need to be kept visible with daytime running lights, too!

When it comes to lights, there are a few guidelines on what is actually effective:

Output

We've designed our lights using quality twin CREE LEDs and a fresnel lens to offer unique visibility during the day, even in direct sunlight. The lights give a dispersed output, rather than focused. This is to offer you over 270 degree side visibility to keep you visible, without dazzling other road users.

Flashing or solid?

We recommend using flashing lights, to help attract attention sooner. When you have lights that flash brightly from both front and rear can help alert drivers sooner than a solid light, reducing risks out on the road.

Customers who run lights all day, all year

Don't just take our word for it, here are just a few snaps of our lights running in the daytime, from our customers: 

Make sure you enjoy the brighter days & longer evenings on the bike and remember to stay daylight visible by running your lights all day, all Summer ☀️