We went out and tested the night vision stuff -

Conclusions -

* Most headlights are either way too bright or far too dim (Blind a motorist or make yourself barely visible)

* The LED vests are VERY visible as long as they have good batteries - the lights dim rapidly as the batteries wear. This goes for pretty much all the LED stuff.

* Reflective sidewall tires allowed the bike to be easily identified as a bicycle.

* The reflective piping on tights near the ankles is also very visible, hence the more of it, the better.

* Illuminite fabric does NOT light up - it barely glows at all, but gives the illusion that the person is wearing a light colored garment - so more visible than other garments to a small degree, and definitely more visible than someone in a black hoodie!

* Red blinkers sold in most bike shops for cheap are barely bright enough to be seen and should not be used as a single light - again some of that depended on how new the batteries were, if you are going to buy 5.00 blinky lights, buy 5 of them and since you are going to spend more money anyway,just give it up and spend the money on a good one.

Many of us never ride at night, but it could occur that due to a flat or other event, that you end up out on the road at dusk or after dark. Carry a spare flashlight and a velcro strap if nothing else.

oh...and the gloves above ROCK!