Reflective Accessories for Cyclists
Our reflective accessories page gathers our tips for being seen while cycling in the city: high visibility vests, armbands and ankle bands, stickers for frames and helmets, wheel and pedal reflectors, as well as the rules of the highway code and standards to check before buying, to ride safely at night as well as in the rain.
Being seen means being protected.
How a retroreflective material returns light
A retroreflective material doesn’t shine by itself: it reflects the light from headlights back to its source, thus towards the eyes of the driver. Two technologies dominate. Glass beads, attached to a textile backing, are used in most flexible strips; microprisms, tiny cubes moulded from plastic, reflect more light and are found on catadioptrs and rigid stickers. Without batteries or recharging, these materials complement bicycle lights, which are essential for illuminating the road and being spotted from a distance.
The rest of the equipment
City equipment is also available in various forms:
All the equipment can be found on the equipment page.
What the highway code requires of cyclists
A bicycle must have catadioptrs: red at the back, white at the front, orange on the sides, usually fixed to the wheels, and on the pedals. Since 1st October 2008, the rider and passenger of a cycle must also wear a high visibility vest outside built-up areas, at night or when visibility is poor. This fluorescent vest must be certified and bear the CE marking; its absence can lead to a second-class fine. In town, it's not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended as night falls.
Armbands, strips and stickers: where to place the reflective material
Ankle strips are the most effective: while pedalling, they describe a circular motion that the eye immediately associates with a cyclist. Armbands, worn above the elbow, make gestures visible when indicating a change of direction. Stickers can be placed on the helmet, frame, mudguards or the back of a bag, for lateral and rear visibility. Since 2020, the European standard EN 17353 regulates visibility equipment intended for non-professional use, such as cycling, by setting a minimum surface area of material.
Good deals
Good deals can also be found in good plans, promotions, clearance sales, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently asked questions
What standard should be checked on a cyclist's reflective vest?
The vest must bear the CE marking, with the EN 1150 standard for older models or EN 17353 for the newer ones. These standards ensure a minimum surface area of fluorescent and reflective material.
What colour vest is the most visible?
Fluorescent yellow remains the best perceived hue during the day, especially at dusk. Other fluorescent colours are accepted; at night, it is mainly the reflective strips, and not the colour, that ensure visibility.
Do children need to wear a vest when cycling?
The rule applies to all riders and passengers of a cycle, including children, outside built-up areas at night. For a child carried in a seat or trailer, a vest in their size or strips on the trailer enhances their visibility.
How should a reflective strip garment be washed?
Inside out, at a maximum of thirty degrees, without fabric softener or bleach, which degrade the microbeads. Avoid tumble drying and ironing on the strips, which may come off or lose their reflective properties.
How long does a reflective accessory last?
The strips wear out with washing, friction, and sunlight. When they crack or reflect less light from a torch in the dark, it’s time to replace them to regain good visibility.
