Hello, Bashibashi here, a huge fan of air conditioning. I like the look of the word "summer" and the way it sounds, but I might be starting to dislike the season because it makes me sweat against my will. Even on such hot days, it can be cool and pleasant in the evening or at night. The temperature is fickle and keeps changing, so I feel like I'm being toyed with.
That said, on nights when the breeze feels nice, I get in a better mood, and my cycling speed tends to pick up. The city, which was so hot before, has completely changed its face now. My excitement rises, and I speed along on my bike. Just as I'm about to get lost in the fun, I realize...
Wait, I don't have a rear light on.
As you know, it is mandatory to ensure visibility by either "turning on a rear light" or "installing a reflector." In other words, either a light or a reflector is fine. By the way, according to the Road Traffic Act, "a red or orange reflector is sufficient." Since reflectors are relatively cheap to manufacture, they are often distributed by traffic safety associations. I’m sure many of you have received one when renewing your driver’s license, right?
However, it’s a cyclist’s instinct to want to add something with a bit of humor if you’re going to attach it to your bike. I can kind of understand why Japanese high school girls attach those incredibly huge mascots to their bags. You can never have too many reflectors, after all.
Of course, there are such things as rear lights, and sure, those are brighter, but if the batteries die, you're out of luck. This is an introduction to how you can permanently announce your presence with a reflector. I’d like to introduce three best-selling reflectors that I, as the web shop manager, highly recommend.
1.SAFETY PIZZA Safety Pizzetta
This giant pizza has an overwhelming presence. It’s always fluttering around, so it does a great job of getting noticed. I like that you have to apply the stickers yourself to complete the pizza, as it adds a nice personal touch. I’m actually plotting to buy eight of these to build a whole pizza.
2.WOWOW Reflector Doll
These are reflectors shaped like ghosts or human faces. Customers visiting our shop with their children often buy them, and we’ve even had international customers buy every single style. They come with a small carabiner, so I recommend them because you can attach them to things other than just your bike. I personally like the “Man Crossed Eye.” He’s probably just squinting because it’s too bright.
3.AARDVARK Reflective legbands
These leg bands use reflective material from 3M, a leading brand in the reflective material industry. This brand is known as a pioneer in reflective technology, supported across many industries, including for firefighters' protective clothing and police uniforms. I think they work great as velcro bands, too.
Those were my reflector recommendations. I hope you’ll give them a try, as I think they’re perfect for bringing out a bit of your bike's personality. Please take a look at our web shop!
