How many cyclists does it take to change a light bulb? Three. One is going up the stairs, two are standing below and arguing about whether they should wear a helmet.
I'm kidding, of course. But there's no denying that cycling safety is a complex and divisive topic. Personally? I enjoy riding better when I feel seen and protected. With a frustrating lack of sophisticated cycling infrastructure in much of the UK, one often has to rely on gadgets and gizmos to provide anything resembling peace of mind.
I've tested a lot of cycling safety kit over the years and I'll be the first to admit that many of them are useless at best. But every now and then something really useful comes along that I will never travel without again.
I'm not alone in this. From semi-pro riders to office commuters, many cyclists own protective equipment they trust. Below are some basic recommendations from them and me.
Bicycle Safety Basics
Radar
When I first heard about this thing, I laughed. What's wrong with just looking over your shoulder? It attaches to your bike's seatpost and alerts you to objects approaching from behind, giving you a rough idea of speed and proximity using a pair of sensors. bicycle computer or smartphone.
I first tried it five years ago and haven't ridden without it since. It's no substitute for your smarts, but it gives you time to react to potential close passes and keeps you from getting scared when cars appear out of nowhere. In the city it is of little use, but for those driving on fast rural roads it is invaluable.
Garmin Varia RVR315
Camera
You don't need one… until you do. If you are involved in an incident, it is your word against theirs. Having video footage of the event can help with litigation and insurance claims. This also means that you can report cases of dangerous driving and, in theory, you will be taken seriously.
I find that drivers pass me wider and pass me more carefully when I use mine. I prefer to mount on the helmet, but you can also get ones that are integrated with the front or rear light. Simon
Cyclic Flysport 12
GoPro Hero12 Black
Incident detection system
Incident detection comes in many shapes and sizes. Many modern cycling computers and wearable fitness devices have this technology built-in, but it is also available through stand-alone devices that can be attached to a helmet or put in a pocket while riding.
They can be configured to notify a selected contact when an impact is detected. Last year I was in a serious accident that left me dazed on the side of the road and my wife calling before I could even process what had just happened. This makes it very useful for long distance trips in rural areas.
Specialized's ANGi crash sensor is a relatively affordable option for those who don't already have this feature on their cycling computer or smartwatch. Connect it to a dedicated application and you're done. If there is no signal, it can be set to alert your loved ones if you don't return from your trip on time by sending them your last known GPS location.
Dedicated collision sensor ANGi
Compact call
I may have thought about it, but the tone of my Knog Oy bell seems a little less harsh than other bells, so I'm more inclined to use it and have found that pedestrians are less intimidated by it. The low profile design means it's completely discreet on the handlebars too – I barely notice it. Jamie
Classic bell Knog Oi
Rear view glasses
Motorists have side mirrors. They also have steel cages to protect them from impacts. If anyone needs mirrors, it's cyclists. I've ridden with one of these mounted on the end of the handlebars before, but my HindSight rear view sunglasses offer a much neater solution. When I wear them, all I have to do is look to the side and I can see what's behind me. And these are also sunglasses. Two birds, one stone. Claire Gee
after promoting the newsletter
HindSight Artemis glasses
Gloves
Your hands can suffer serious injuries from even a relatively minor fall while cycling, but I see so many people who only wear gloves in the winter. I always wear ones that provide good palm protection, even in the summer. Not only will they keep your hands free from road rash in the event of an accident, but they will also make them feel more comfortable on the steering wheel during long trips. BR
Cloth Aero Gloves
StVZO front light
Riding a bike without headlights is a bad idea, especially in the dark or poor visibility, but riding with the wrong headlights can also be dangerous. Some of them scatter light in all directions, which can blind oncoming cars.
In Germany, there is a Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung, or road licensing regulation, which states that front bicycle lights must have a reflector to keep the light pattern below a certain level. This will help you see and be seen without dazzling other road users. Search online for StVZO bike lights and you will find many options.
Lezyne Power STVZO Pro 115 front light
Integrated rearlightweight helmet
I've lost count of the number of times I've accidentally left my tail light charging at home. From the moment you purchase a helmet with a built-in tail light, this is no longer a problem. I always wear a helmet, which means I always have a flashlight. In some cases, they're more expensive than a regular helmet, but when you consider how much you'll likely spend on both items separately, it makes sense to combine them. NK
Halfords commuter helmet
Wearable lock
It's more for security than safety, but the zippers that wrap around your waist are great. I've been using one for years. It keeps the bike secure when I'm on the go and I don't have to worry about carrying it in my bag – it can be worn as a belt. Graham
Hiplok Lite Portable Chain Lock
To find out more, check out our review best bike locks
Hi-Visible West
I bought a reflective vest for a fiver in Halford. We do a lot of cycling in the dark, whether it's touring the UK, winter commuting or bike camping. For the latter, this is especially useful, since you never know which road you will find yourself on. Combined with our bike reflectors and lights we feel safer. Hannah Foster
Halfords reflective vest
Paddy Maddison is a consumer journalist, outdoor enthusiast and exercise enthusiast. When he's not walking the hills, he's biking them, snowboarding them, or lacing up his sneakers and pounding the pavement. As a result, he has enough time to run all the latest equipment through the Filter squeezer.
