Be Seen, Be Safe: Cycling Safety in the Age of Smart Lights

Some lessons take time — and sometimes, a few close calls — to sink in.

Years ago, I wrote about bike safety after my own accident and another local rider’s crash. Back then, the frustration was fresh. I was angry, and justifiably so, because the truth was (and still is) that when a bike meets a car, the bike always loses — even if the rider had the right-of-way.

Now, with a few more miles, seasons, and conversations under my belt, my perspective is steadier. The risks haven’t disappeared, but the way we manage them has changed — partly because cycling tech has gotten a whole lot smarter.

The Constant Truth: Mass vs. Vulnerability

No matter how skilled you are, no matter how careful, the physics don’t change: you are smaller, lighter, and far less protected than any motor vehicle on the road.

That doesn’t mean riding is dangerous by default — but it does mean that visibility, predictability, and situational awareness are your best friends.

Visibility Is Your First Defense

Once upon a time, bike lights were for night riding. If you weren’t riding after dark, you didn’t think about them.

Now, more and more cyclists are running lights in broad daylight — and for good reason. Studies have shown that daytime running lights can significantly reduce collision risk by making you stand out in a driver’s peripheral vision long before you’re directly in front of them.

When I talk about bike lights, I think in three categories:

• Lights to See – Illuminate the road ahead in the dark or in poor weather.
• Lights to Be Seen – Make you visible to others, especially drivers approaching from the front or side.
• Alert Lights – Grab attention with flashing or pulse patterns so drivers register you sooner.

Ideally, you run a combination: a steady beam up front so you can see in low light conditions, and a flashing or pulsing pattern in the rear so others can see you.

Smart Tech Has Changed the Game

Today’s lights are a far cry from the chunky, battery-draining units of a decade ago.

We now have USB-rechargeable lights that mount in seconds, withstand rain, and last for hours. Even more impressive? AI-enabled lights that sense ambient light and adjust brightness automatically, or change flash patterns based on your speed and surroundings.

Some integrate with GPS computers or cycling apps, so your front and rear lights turn on the moment you start your ride and adjust without you touching a button.

The takeaway: good lighting is no longer an inconvenience — it’s a seamless part of your ride.

The Law Still Matters

Technology can make you more visible, but it doesn’t replace common sense or knowing the rules.

In most places, the law requires a front white light and a rear red light after dark, along with reflectors. Hand signals, lane positioning, and yielding where appropriate aren’t just legal boxes to tick — they’re tools to make your movements predictable to everyone else on the road.

And here’s the thing: not every driver understands cycling laws, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ride in a way that leaves as little room for “misunderstanding” as possible. Ride predicably and follow the rules of the road and the trails to reduce your exposure to risk.

Ride Smart, Ride Predictable

You can’t control traffic. You can’t control weather. But you can control how visible you are, where you position yourself, and how early you signal your intentions.

It’s not about riding scared — it’s about riding smart, so you can keep stacking up miles for years to come.

Your Next Ride

Whether you’re rolling out before sunrise, chasing golden-hour light, or heading out in midday sunshine, the right lights can make the difference between blending in and standing out.

We’ve got a full range of front, rear, and smart lighting systems in-store and online — rechargeable, weather-ready, and road-tested.

If you’re not sure where to start, swing by the shop. We’ll help you find the right setup for your bike, your riding style, and your budget.

See and be seen. The road will always be shared — make sure you’re visible enough to claim your space on it.

🔦 What’s on My Bike for Visibility & Safety

Front Light – Lezyne Hecto Drive 500XL

• Multiple steady-beam intensities plus flash and pulse settings

• Perfect for dim fall evenings or rides that go longer than expected

• Compact, reliable, and USB-rechargeable

Rear Light – Lezyne Strip Drive

• Multiple modes for steady light or flashing patterns

• My go-to for enhancing visibility on busy roads and highways

• Used on most rides — especially important when riding solo

💡 Pro Tip: Rear lights aren’t just for night riding — they boost visibility even on bright days, especially if you’re riding alone without the visibility of a group.