How to stay visible on your bike: The best reflective bike gear

Kit yourself out with the best reflective and high-vis cycling gear, and stay safe on your bike in low-light conditions.

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By Rachel Howatson

Published: December 21, 2021 at 12:39 pm

Whether you’re commuting in winter, or cramming in a quick training session at the end of the day, we often have no choice but to cycle in the dark.

It's important you remain as visible as possible on your bike, and of course it's essential you can see clearly too. We’ve rounded up the best high-vis and reflective bike gear so you – and your bike – can be seen in low light conditions.

Selections have been made based on reviews from our gear testers, user reviews and industry knowledge.

So whether you want to dress head to toe in fluorescent yellow, from helmet cover to overshoes, or invest in a new bike light that warns you of approaching traffic, we’ve got you covered.

For even more high-vis clothing, check out the best reflective running gear.

This straightforward, neat and no-fuss Topeak bike light delivers 450 lumens and a battery that lasts between 90 minutes and 10 hours, depending on which setting you use it in. Handily, you can charge it via USB, which means you can easily charge it up before every ride or commute.

It attaches to your bike, or your helmet, so it's a flexible design that can fit around your lighting preferences.

When reviewed, our tester found this bike light more suitable for urban cycles rather than long training sessions in the dark, so it could be a top choice for commuters looking to get home safely in busy traffic.

Proviz designs are a great option if you’re looking to increase your visibility when you’re on your bike, and they’re a popular choice with after-dark cyclists. The Nightrider Jacket aims to provide waterproof protection, while still being breathable, so it should be a handy all-rounder with more than just visibility benefits.

The jacket aims to offer maximum retro-reflective protection so you can cycle safely. Comfort and fit was also at the core of this design, with Velcro-adjustable wrists and a waterproof zip garage, which aims to reduce neck chafing.

If you’re looking to add a splash of colour to your high-vis bike gear collection, these bright pink cycling socks could do the trick! As well as high-vis protection, these cycling socks are designed to keep your feet sweat-free and cool thanks to the venting mesh weave foot.

The stay fast double cuff design aims to keep your socks firmly in place, so you shouldn't have to worry about crumpling and sagging socks slowing you down either, which is an added bonus!

This convenient bundle set includes three different fluorescent cycling accessories – gloves, a skull cap and a neck warmer – so if your wardrobe is missing a few high-vis cycling items, it's a worthwhile investment.

It's claimed the gloves are windproof, breathable, lightweight and touch-screen compatible, so they’re bound to come in handy for chilly, late-night rides.

Meanwhile, the thermal skull cap should fit underneath your helmet, so you can stay warm, visible and safe when cycling. For even more warmth, you can choose to wear the multi-functional neck warmer as a bandana, face mask or sweatband, so it's a versatile item that's sure to become a well-used piece of active-wear.

The kit comes neatly packaged in a box, so it would make a great cycling gift too!

For more present inspiration, check out our gift guides:

Cycling gilets are ideal if you want keep warm on your bike while still retaining a sense of freedom and flexibility. This women's Reflect 360 Cycling Gilet from Proviz features reflective beads to help you stand out in the dark. It should help keep the wind out in the winter, but it also features a perforated back mesh to allow unwanted heat to escape.

If you want a reflective gilet you can also wear during the day, this could be one to consider as when unlit, Proviz says it has an understated and matte appearance.

This GripGrab helmet cover is a two-fold design that aims to increase your visibility, while also helping you to stay dry and cosy.

The highly visible fabrics should improve your road presence in dark conditions, while the taped seams and weatherproof materials should make cycling in nasty and blustery climates that little bit more bearable!

Just simply pull the design over your helmet and you’re good to go. Thanks to the elasticated drawstring, it should fit a variety of helmets.

If you want to keep your feet dry and your bike shoes clean, overshoes are a wise buy! This option from Gore is recommended for advanced level, cold-weather athletic activities.

Gore promises a windproof, water-resistant and breathable design, so these overshoes are likely to be a welcomed addition to your winter cycling kit collection.

In terms of visibility, the reflective logo and piping should ensure road users can see you more clearly.

Featuring subtle reflective details, this sleek and smart cycling jacket is designed to keep you active, whatever the weather. It has a waterproof outer that sheds rain well, while the close fit and elasticated cuffs help keep chilly air out.

Thanks to the underarm vents, this jacket is also well equipped to cool you down when the intensity steps up a notch.

There's also a fair amount of storage with two zipped pockets and three jersey-style pockets, so you can stay energised on long training sessions with your favourite energy gels and nutrition!

This is the second bike light option on our list, and this one features a rear radar. It's far more advanced, and inevitably more expensive. The radar is designed to alert cyclists of approaching traffic of up to 140m, so it should increase your visibility and road safety in general too.

You can connect the device to your smartphone or Edge bike computer in order to receive the alerts. Garmin claims visibility in any light condition of up to one mile and you can use it for up to 16 hours in flashing mode. See our full review here.

If you keep your water bottle in a bottle cage on your bike, it makes sense to choose a brightly coloured, high-visibility option.

This yellow pick from Science in Sport features pre-determined measuring marks so you can quickly mix your electrolyte drinks. It features a leak-free valve and is dishwasher safe, so it should be a low-maintenance item.

Cycling gloves help fight bitter conditions when you’re on the road, making them a winter necessity. These Gore gloves feature reflective details so you can cycle safely in the early morning or late evening.

They’re designed to be windproof, water repellent and breathable in nature, so they’re likely to become a well-worn winter high-vis cycling accessory. They also feature a thermo lining, so they should keep your hands nice and toasty too.

This thermal cycling jersey from Huub is a particularly stylish choice. As well as providing a slim fit, this jersey features sweat-wicking and aerodynamic fabrics so it could be a great choice for those chasing both warmth and performance.

Huub also claims a highly elasticated four-way stretch thermal material, so it should offer a snug and comfortable fit. The fluorescent yellow colour and reflective piped pocket design aims to increase your visibility in low light conditions.

Top image credit: Franckreporter/Getty Images

Digital Writer

Rachel Howatson is a digital writer who works across Our Media's home and craft brands. With a love of eclectic furniture and bold, statement decor, and an ability to scour out the best deals online, she's got your interior and crafting needs covered.

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