Leglites® is an innovative, easy-to-use new product for easy high visibility for cyclists. I have been trying out a pair and am very impressed. First, here is a video to show how Leglites work. As you can see, it is a simple matter of reflected light and human motion:
Leglites were developed by Simon Moore, who has started a company with the motto: “The Leglite exists because we care about getting you home safely.” Listen to Simon explain:
Simon’s product is aimed at cyclists, runners, and walkers, but I think it works especially well for cyclists due to the distinctive leg movement of cyclists, which makes it obvious that you are a human being. For runners and walkers, there is an option to wear Leglites on the forearm instead.
Commuter Leglites® are two small, light-weight pieces of high visibility fluorescent fabric that you zip around your calves. In the daytime the bright color will make you more visible. More dramatically, you will be much more visible at night due to reflection. Car lights will bounce off the reflectors as you pedal along, making you visible to drivers from about 1,000 feet (300 meters).
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Related Post: How to Use Bike Reflectors to be More Visible
Related Post: 5 Ways to Stay Visible in Traffic When Cycling
Leglites are Based on the Theory of Biological Motion
Notice in this video how Leglites signal the presence of a moving cyclist:
By sheer instinct, human beings are programmed to detect biological motion, that is, motion that is generated by another living being. Leglites channel that instinct to help drivers avoid cyclists (and runners). Rick Tyrrell, professor of psychology at Clemson University, says:
“You want that driver to know exactly what direction you’re traveling in and predict where you are going. Biological motion helps a driver predict the future.”
Hence, where you wear any kind Reflective High Visibility is very important. Worn on the calves, Leglites make it obvious that you are a cyclist, and help motorists to not only notice you, but also predict where you are going and avoid hitting you.
Leglites also keep your cycling pants clean!
Leglites also have some fringe benefits, such as protecting your trouser legs from getting caught in the chain and from getting wet from splashes from the road. Also, I found it handy that they are so compact and lightweight, that I don’t notice the weight on my leg, and can keep them in my pannier without noticing them until I need them.
Bottom line on Leglites
If you are a cyclist (or runner) who wants to be highly visible while in traffic, Leglites offer an easy way to achieve it. They don’t need batteries, as they reflect other people’s lights. They are easy to transport and to wear. And they can be slipped on over your regular pants, so you don’t always have to bother with specialized cycling clothes. Plus, they will protect your regular clothes. All in all, Leglites would make a great addition to the cycling gear of any cyclist who values visibility.
Find out more about Leglites here.
Below are links to all of our best posts on bike lights!
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7 of the Best Bike Lights for Commuting, Trail Riding, and Night Cycling
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