How to Be Visible While Biking in the Rain

Biking is becoming increasingly popular because it saves money and protects the environment simultaneously. Beyond these benefits, many people simply love the feeling of powering their own way around town. It is essential to exercise due caution if you are biking in the rain, however, because it's not always easy for motorists to see what is ahead of them on the road. Thankfully, a few simple measures are all you need to stay visible--and safe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Reflective strips
• LED device
• Headlight
• Helmet
• Cell phone

Think Visible

1. Outfit your bike with an LED safety light on the front and back. These are battery-powered and extremely bright, helping motorists see you no matter how much rain and fog there may be.
2. Wear reflective clothing that features bright strips or tape lines that can be seen while you are cycling in the rain. Many biking experts now recommend wearing entire vests made of reflective material, as these can help oncoming drivers discern your dimensions no matter what the weather.
3. Apply reflective lenses or tape to the wheels, as well. Cyclists often forget that they may be broadsided while crossing an intersection and thus neglect to make themselves visible from the side.
4. Finish the outfit with a reflective helmet. If you skid or injure yourself and are lying in the road, it is crucial that drivers can see where your head is to avoid a devastating accident.
5. Carry a cell phone with you whenever you go for a ride. If you are struck and injured by a car, calling 911 right away can literally be a lifesaver.

Tips & Warnings

• Bear in mind that daytime biking in the rain can be nearly as dangerous as biking at night. Exercise the same caution if you want to be seen through the haze, fog and moisture that can obscure motorists' visibility.
• Keep your tires inflated and in good condition. Cyclists can skid just as easily as motorists if danger suddenly arises, and the last thing you want is to lose control while you are trying to avoid a car.
• Do not rely on a small rearview mirror to see oncoming cars and trucks. If you are crossing the line of traffic at any point, be sure to check with your whole head, and signal first.
• Slow down in the rain! Even if there isn't enough water to flood your tires and cause a skid, public roads tend to accrue oils that grow immediately slick at the first sign of drizzling.
• Avoid fallen wires that may have been felled during a squall. Even if the lights are out and the wire is motionless, it is best to walk your bike around such potentially hazardous obstructions.