Half of the VEST PARIS team and 80% of our customers travel by bicycle or scooter. We are therefore rather well placed to discuss the subject of night visibility on two wheels, first as users and for the past 13 years, as an "equipment supplier".
We've all noticed that the city transforms at nightfall. Streets we thought were familiar can become a risky playground for cyclists. Now that cycling has become increasingly popular and there's no longer a time to cycle (especially in winter when night falls early), the issue of nighttime safety is becoming increasingly acute.
How do you navigate the darkness, where dangers multiply and rules become more complex? An investigation into the heart of cycling's night by the FLUX editorial team.
It all starts with street lighting.
Pioneers of innovative urban lighting
Urban lighting and phosphorescent road markings are redefining nighttime safety in cities. Beyond traditional streetlights, innovative solutions are emerging.
At VEST, we know the Netherlands well. With its "Smart Highway" project, the country pioneered the integration of photoluminescent road markings on motorways, absorbing daylight and releasing it at night. This initiative has significantly improved visibility and safety for drivers.
In Iceland, Reykjavik is experimenting with heated cycle paths, lit by LEDs integrated into the surface, for optimal safety in winter.
In France, companies like LuminoKrom are developing photoluminescent paints for road markings, providing long-lasting visibility without energy consumption.
All these initiatives pave the way for smarter and more sustainable urban lighting, where safety and ecology converge.
Street lighting in France: good and bad points
For its part, France is struggling somewhat in this area. We'll take the example of three major cities where cycling has become a common mode of transportation. These three examples are unfortunately exceptions compared to medium-sized cities and rural areas that lag behind in this area.
Lyon, the pioneer: the capital of Gaul, with its heritage in lighting design, continues to lead the way. Its streets, enhanced by subtle, environmentally friendly lighting, demonstrate a desire to reconcile aesthetics and sustainability. Lyon is also experimenting with smart lighting solutions, adapting light intensity to the flow of pedestrians and vehicles.
Bordeaux, the renovated: the city, transformed by an ambitious lighting plan, has revitalized its historic center, attracting attention with its nighttime displays. The water mirror, illuminated by a thousand lights, has become a symbol of this renaissance, where conviviality and safety are combined.
Paris-Saclay, the laboratory: this technological innovation center, at the forefront of research in connected and adaptive lighting, is testing the solutions of tomorrow. Here, public lighting becomes intelligent, optimizing energy consumption and anticipating user needs.
Being visible at night, a legal and vital imperative
On the streets of Paris, Berlin, or New York, the observation is the same: lighting is the key to nighttime survival. But laws vary, creating a sometimes confusing patchwork of rules.
In France, the highway code requires fixed lighting, reflectors, and, outside built-up areas, a reflective vest. In Germany, the dynamo remains king, while in the United States, laws vary from state to state.
"At night, you become invisible," says Jean Marc, a Parisian cyclist and journalist by profession. "Without good lighting, I feel vulnerable, at the mercy of cars."
Brands like Busch, Müller and Lezyne are competing in ingenuity to offer ever more efficient solutions, but the essential thing is often overlooked: lateral visibility, crucial at intersections.
VEST PARIS, aware of these challenges, has chosen a different approach: integrating safety into the design of its jackets and pants. Our urban clothing features discreet reflective strips (because they are reversible into sleeve tabs) and offers visibility without sacrificing elegance.
Visibility, a survival issue
Beyond legal requirements, visibility is a matter of common sense for maintaining safety. High-visibility vests, often perceived as unsightly, are nevertheless essential because, according to a recent study, the risk of a fatal cycling accident is three times higher at night than during the day.
But style-conscious urban cyclists are looking for alternatives. VEST PARIS understands this with its reversible reflective stripes on its jackets, proving that you can be both visible and stylish.
“At night, I feel like a ghost,” confides one of our colleagues who cycles through Paris every day between the 11th and 8th arrondissements. “Cars don’t see us, even with lights.”
Drive carefully and know how to anticipate
At night, vigilance is essential. Cyclists must anticipate hazards, reduce their speed, and be aware of traffic's blind spots. Intersections, often poorly lit, are high-risk areas.
In France, knowing how to anticipate the mistakes or bad behavior of others is already a national sport during the day. Imagine at night!
“At night, I am extra careful,” explains Marc, one of our customers. “I choose my routes, favoring lit cycle paths.” Navigation apps, such as Geovelo, have become valuable allies, allowing you to plan safe journeys.
Technology, the future of security?
Does the future of nighttime security lie in technology? Obviously, and at VEST, we wouldn't argue with that, since researching and using the latest technology is part of our DNA.
Connected bicycle lights that adapt to the environment, fall detection applications, smart clothing... Innovations are multiplying, promising a revolution in nighttime mobility.
But are these technologies accessible to everyone? The high cost of some equipment risks widening inequalities, leaving the most vulnerable cyclists at the mercy of the dangers of the night.
"Safety shouldn't be a luxury," says Pierre, a community activist we contacted. "It's urgent to make these technologies accessible to everyone, so that nighttime is no longer synonymous with danger."