Pimp your ride: Coloured neon lights for bicycles

New technology is fuelling a cycle lights arms race; the most powerful of the latest crop of LED, Xenon strobe and high-intensity discharge (HID) bicycle lights are rated at over 2000 lumens – by comparison, the typical halogen car headlamp produces around 1000 to 1500 lumens.

However, despite the ever-increasing power of cycle lights, they illuminate only the road ahead.

Research from America suggests that the majority of collisions involving cyclists that occur at night happen when a rider is struck from the side.

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Neon lights for bikes

A company has developed a neon strip lighting system for bicycles that can be positioned to provide all-round illumination.

The Down Low Glow lights come in a variety of colours and are similar to the kits fitted occasionally fitted to cars, but feature shatterproof thermoplastic tubes for safety and rechargeable batteries for power.

A spokesperson from the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Flashing lights help cyclists stand out, but these neon lights help make sure you seen from all angles – they are great fun, too.”

Kits start at around £82 and can be ordered directly form the manufacturer in America via Rock the bike

I’ve seen the light – fully-comp cycle insurance

Every cycle insurance policy from the ETA covers against theft, vandalism and accidental damage (even at race events) and includes third party insurance, personal accident cover, bicycle breakdown cover and more…