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Autumn is now truly here. The air is getting colder and the days are getting much shorter. For cyclists, this means we are becoming less visible on the road, increasing the risk to our safety.
Accidents involving cyclists happen all the time in London. To put that into better perspective, the BBC reported that London cyclists got into 23,000 accidents over five years.
One of the key contributing factors to accidents involving cyclists noted by the police is the failure to "look properly" on the part of the rider or the driver.
Sure, most of us could do with being more careful, especially at junctions, but we can't control what other people do. We can, however, make ourselves more visible. Personally, every time I go out cycling in the dark, my aim is to make it impossible for motorists not to see me. Think Christmas tree on steroids here.
As an avid cyclist, I handpicked some of the best products for keeping safe on the road. From helmets that will protect from head trauma if you get into an accident, to spray paint that will make your bike glow in the dark, these are the products I wouldn't be able to live without on my daily commute.
Rear and headlights
Not only will head and rear lights increase your visibility, but you'll also be able to spot potholes and other obstacles more easily. For cyclists, they're an absolute must-have, as well as one of the cheapest investments you can make to avoid accidents.
The Volador head light has three modes (high, medium, and strobe) and runs between 3-12 hours on a single charge. For increased visibility, you can also invest in this rear light, which has five modes and can last from 4-14 hours on a single charge.
Volador Bicycle USB Rechargeable LED Bike Headlight Lamp, £10.99
Lighting EVER USB Rechargeable Rear Taillight, £9.99
A high-visibility backpack cover
High-visibility jackets aren't the most fashionable options out there. Sure, your daily commute to work is not a fashion contest, but most of us don't really want to turn up to an important meeting with a very practical, but also very conspicuous fluorescent jacket.
I opted for this Carribrite backpack cover with LED lights because it's much lighter, and also happens to be more visible than your average hi-vis jacket. At £15, it also won't break the bank.
Carribrite Hi-Vis Backpack Cover with LED Flashing Lights, £14.97
Reflective spray paint
As far as visibility goes, a glow in the dark bike is as good as it gets. Sadly, a glow in the dark bike cost a bloody fortune. So if you don't have £400 to splurge, you can spray your bike with a reflective spray for just under £20.
Albedo 100 Reflective Spray Light Metallic, £17.49
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