Visibility and lighting

The best way to avoid an accident on your bike is simple: make sure others can see you. Many collisions happen not because someone broke a rule, but because a driver, pedestrian, or even another cyclist didn’t notice the rider in time. Visibility isn’t just about lights at night — it’s about standing out in every condition, from bright sun to early morning fog.

Be seen, even in daylight

Even in broad daylight, it helps to make yourself noticeable. Wearing bright or contrasting colours makes a big difference, especially in city traffic or wooded areas. You don’t need fancy cycling gear for that — a yellow rain jacket, neon vest, or even an old T-shirt that screams “look at me” will do just fine. The point isn’t fashion, it’s safety. Reflective strips on your clothing or backpack can add extra visibility without much effort.

Lighting and reflectors: what the law says

When it gets dark or visibility is reduced — for example, in fog or heavy rain — good lighting becomes essential. Polish law requires every bicycle to have:

• a white or yellow light in front,
• a red light at the back,
• a red rear reflector (must not have a triangular shape),
• indicators (if, for whatever reason, you are unable to indicate with your hand).

You can also have white or yellow reflectors on the pedals and wheels. If you use a headlamp mounted on your helmet or handlebars, make sure it points slightly downward — enough to light the road ahead, but not so much that it blinds oncoming cyclists or drivers. Your goal is to be visible, not dazzling.

Before each ride, take a few seconds to check that your lights are charged and your reflectors are clean. A thin layer of dirt can make them useless, especially at night.

A little courtesy goes a long way

Powerful LED lights are great for lighting the way, but they can be unpleasant — even dangerous — for others if misaligned. If you often ride in traffic or on bike paths, tilt your beam down and use a lower brightness mode. You’ll still see the road perfectly well, and everyone else will thank you for it.

In the past, Polish law stated that a rear light may flash (suggesting that a front light may not flash). This provision has been removed, meaning that flashing lights are no longer prohibited. (Note from author: Unfortunately.)