STORE FINDER
To mark International Women's Day this March, we're giving away free Electrify-branded hi-vis vests at all nine of our stores nationwide. Pop in between Wednesday 4th and Wednesday 11th March, mention the promo, and pick one up. No purchase necessary.
With autumn just around the corner and daylight saving ending on April 5th, the days are about to get noticeably shorter. If you're riding to work, to the shops, or just for the fun of it, being visible to other road users is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe.
Why visibility matters
You might assume that if you can see the cars around you, they can see you too. That's not always the case, especially on a bike.
Research into cycling accidents shows that poor visibility is one of the biggest contributing factors. NZ Transport Agency data highlights that rural cycling crashes often involve a rider being struck from behind, with drivers reporting they didn't see the cyclist in time. In urban areas, front-on visibility at intersections is the bigger concern. Drivers turning across traffic may not spot a cyclist until it's too late.
The risk goes up in low-light conditions. That grey zone around dawn and dusk, when it's not quite dark enough to feel like you need lights but not bright enough to be easily seen, is when things get risky. And with the clocks going back in early April, more of us will find ourselves riding in exactly those conditions.
What you can do
Improving your visibility doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. Here are some practical steps.
- Wear something bright. It sounds obvious, but it works. A hi-vis vest over your normal clothes is one of the simplest ways to make yourself more visible. Fluorescent colours, particularly yellow and green, are designed to catch the eye in daylight. Reflective materials light up when car headlights hit them. Ideally, you want both.
- Get your lights sorted. New Zealand law requires a white front light and red rear light when riding at night or in low-light conditions, both visible from at least 200 metres. Reflectors are also required: red at the rear and white on the pedals. But don't just treat lights as a legal requirement. A good set of lights makes a real difference to how visible you are. Flashing modes can be effective at catching drivers' attention. And check your lights regularly. Flat batteries won't help anyone.
- Think about positioning. Ride in a visible position on the road rather than hugging the kerb where parked cars can hide you from view. Make eye contact with drivers at intersections where you can. Use hand signals clearly. These habits make you more predictable and easier to see.
- Don't forget the sides. Most visibility gear focuses on front and rear, but drivers approaching from side streets need to see you too. Reflective strips on ankles and pedals work well because the movement catches the eye. Spoke reflectors or reflective tyre walls add side-on visibility as well.
Why we're doing this for International Women's Day
International Women's Day is about recognising and supporting women across all aspects of life. Research shows that women are more likely to cite safety concerns as a barrier to cycling. By giving away hi-vis vests, we want to do something practical to help more people feel confident getting out on two wheels.
The vests are available to everyone, regardless of gender. If wearing something bright helps even one person feel safer on their ride, it's worth doing.
Pick up your free vest
Visit any Electrify NZ store between Wednesday 4th and Wednesday 11th March, mention the International Women's Day promo, and we'll hand you a free Electrify hi-vis vest. No purchase required, just pop in.
While you're there, our team is always happy to chat about anything bike-related. Whether you've got questions about your current ride, you're thinking about upgrading, or you just want to talk e-bikes, we're here to help.
