Here is a test photo of my nighttime reflectiveness, as imperfectly demonstrated by a camera flash (rather than a car's headlights). It's easy to see that the wide strips of 3M Scotchlite on my
Carradice bag and
coat are much more effective than the smaller reflections created by my
gloves and the
sidewalls of my tires (though those certainly help in correctly identifying my bicycle as such). When riding long distance I add
reflective ankle bands, but I usually forget when riding a couple of blocks in town.
Far more effective than reflectiveness is my own light source and you can clearly see that with my unbelievably bright
Planet Bike Superflash. They say it can light up a small town. Seriously, this tail light is so bright my husband doesn't like to ride directly behind me. There are two other tail lights in this photo but you're unlikely to notice them. I have the main light and the helmet light blinking (when I'm riding in town) and leave the light on my fender on steadily, just for a change (and because it uses batteries less quickly than the brighter lights).
The clocks fall back this weekend, let's all be ready for the darkness!
Of all the cyclists I saw in all of Italy, this man was far and away the most wonderful. There really isn't much to say, I think he's just perfect.
I loved the pop of her red shoes and lights in the simple green and black.
We saw this bike parked outside our café and were marveling at the amount of cargo this person was carrying. Imagine our surprise when a lady about our mothers' age emerged from the café with a box of pastries, added it to her load, and pedaled off in her black ankle boots and little red riding jacket. Definitely not the urban warrior we expected, but an urban warrior all the same. I want to be like her when I grow up!
Bundled up and still looking good as she rides her bike in Boston in February. The light is getting warmer though!
It's hard to see in this 'on the fly' photo, but this pretty lady has both sparkles in her coat and in the streamers on her bike. Add her cool boots and helmet, and I was smiling as I followed her over the Mass Ave bridge.
This chic cyclist, spotted in Cambridge, isn't letting February get her down. It was a beautiful crisp morning for a ride.
OK, so her pretty hair, sleek boots, and adorable jacket don't really follow the same aesthetic as her bike. But that's ok, she's out in Cambridge in January, getting her errands done and looking good while she does them. I want to point out that when I first saw her she'd pulled over onto the sidewalk to use her phone safely. I think she was getting directions. Courteous and cute, a winning combo!
