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Cycling has become more popular than ever as a healthier and more environmentally friendly form of transportation. Many cities have made attempts to accommodate bicycle traffic with bike lanes and trails.

However, it is still very important for cyclists to protect themselves and take some basic precautions. There are a few pieces of equipment that can make riding safer in an urban setting, such as bike mirrors and lights. Another type of safety equipment that has proven effective in increasing visibility is bike safety flags.

Buy Custom Flags And More

For bike safety flags or to buy custom flags, turn to Parker Flags and Pennants. We carry a wide array of styles and colors and flags for all occasions. To find out more, check out our many products online, or Call Us At 800-693-2258 Today! The truth is, some people are hesitant to use bike flags because they don’t like the look of them, or perhaps, they feel they are not aerodynamic.

Either way, the statistics are clear—collisions with cars are the number one cause of fatalities among bicycle riders, and flags help to prevent them. The driver of the car is responsible in 75 percent of cycling fatalities.

Visibility is a major contributor to this problem. The people behind the wheel of cars, trucks and vans simply don’t look out for cyclists and often turn in front of them, pull out, stop suddenly or change lanes without realizing a bike is there. Increasing visibility is the best strategy a cyclist has to prevent a collision. This is especially true in an urban setting, where traffic might be busy, roads packed and drivers more easily distracted.

Bike flags keep drivers aware of the bicycle by placing a moving object of bright, neon color right in their line of sight. The flapping of the flag in the wind gives a kind of strobe effect that draws the eye, and the flag is elevated to a point where it will always be seen. A highly visible rider is a safe rider. Unfortunately, some people still resist because they don’t like the look of bike flags.

They associate them with children. However, there are some slightly more creative and perhaps adult ways of displaying the flags. Instead of mounting them on the rear axle, for example, use a slip-mount on the rear rack.

Statistics Are Clear

In the long run, the safety factor makes an inconvenience worth looking a bit unfashionable. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration says approximately 700 cyclists are killed each year across the country, so it is smart to take steps that ensure safety.

For bike flags or to buy custom flags, check out Parker Flags and Pennants. For more information, Call Us At 800-693-2258 Today!