While on the subject of tires, there is another safety feature I look for when considering new tires. That is reflective side walls. As a cyclist, I sometimes find it necessary to ride in low light conditions. Consequently, I’m always looking for anything that will help to make me more visible to drivers.
I find it reassuring to know that I can rely on the reflective quality of my tires without worrying about battery life or anything else. In fact, my tires probably provide a larger and brighter visible area to alert drivers of my presence on the road than poorly positioned or performing lights or blinkers. In addition, I feel like that they outperform both my front and back lights at catching a driver’s attention when I am crossing in front of a vehicle.
According to the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics for 2015, “Regardless of season, the 6 p.m. to 8:59 p.m. time period had the highest percentage (compared to all other 3-hour periods) of pedalcyclist fatalities”. So, if my tires can help to keep me a little safer, it’s a no-brainer to have reflective tires on my bicycle.
Ken Whittaker