Hi-Viz

Hi-viz (high-visibility) refers to motorcycle gear made with fluorescent colors — typically neon yellow, bright orange, or lime green — and often incorporating reflective materials that shine brightly when hit by headlights. The goal is simple: make the rider as visible as possible to other road users, reducing the risk of "SMIDSY" (Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You) collisions.

Studies consistently show that motorcycle conspicuity is a major factor in multi-vehicle crashes. A rider wearing a black jacket and black helmet against a dark road is extremely difficult for drivers to see, especially in their mirrors or peripheral vision. Hi-viz gear significantly increases the distance at which drivers can detect a motorcyclist, buying precious extra seconds of reaction time.

Hi-viz gear is available across all categories: helmets (with fluorescent shells), jackets, vests (worn over existing jackets), pants, and even gloves. Many riders who don't want to wear full hi-viz gear compromise by adding a hi-viz vest over their jacket, choosing a white or bright-colored helmet, or using reflective tape on their bike and gear. The "cool factor" argument against hi-viz fades quickly when you consider the alternative of not being seen at all.

One common misconception is that hi-viz gear only matters during the day. In reality, the reflective elements on quality hi-viz gear are arguably more important at night, when headlights illuminate the retro-reflective strips from hundreds of feet away. If you commute or ride in rain frequently, hi-viz becomes even more critical since visibility drops dramatically in wet conditions. Many riders also don't realize that white helmets provide nearly the same conspicuity benefit as fluorescent yellow during daylight hours, making them a popular compromise.