Bicycle Safety Triangle

Bicycle safety in traffic involves responsibilities on the part of the cyclist as well as motor vehicle operators to ensure that the bicycle rider does not collide with a moving or stationary vehicle. A cyclist can enhance safety both by riding in a cautious manner and and by using proper equipment. A reflective triangle is one such item.

  1. Description

    • The safety triangle is a large piece of reflective material that can be sewn into a cycling garment or can be purchased separately and added to a backpack, jacket or pack bag. The triangle often comes with small grommets inserted so that the triangle can be attached securely to whatever item is desired. The triangle makes a cyclist more visible to drivers of vehicles.

    Cost

    • The cost of such a piece of biking gear can range from six dollars for the simple triangle to as much as 30 or 40 dollars for a vest with a reflective triangle attached to the back.

    Flashing Lights

    • Some manufacturers have available for purchase a specially designed reflective safety vest that comes with batteries. The batteries send a small electrical charge through the vest, which causes the reflective material to blink on and off like a Christmas tree light. This innovative piece of bike riding gear can be worn by the rider for added visibility during the daylight hours.

    Warnings

    • A safety vest with a reflective triangle should not give a bicyclist a false sense of security; it is still not good practice to ride a bicycle at night. More important, a safety vest should never be a substitute for good riding procedures, and cyclists need to be always aware of the many potential trouble spots for riding in traffic. These include riding next to cars that are making a right turn, moving forward from a traffic light that has turned green, executing a left turn against oncoming traffic and riding next to parked cars.

    Other Equipment

    • The vest should be used in conjunction with other pieces of bicycle safety equipment, such as a helmet, battery-powered flashing lights on the handlebars and the back of the bike seat, a rear-view mirror and a warning horn or bell.