February has settled in nicely and with the recent spring-like temperatures, many of us are feeling the itch to get outside.

Over the past few weeks we've been seeing an above average number of people out riding the roads on weekends. It always brings a good feeling to share the outdoors and see others exercising.

However, it is concerning to see the occasional rider, runner or walker dressed in dark colors moving along the roadside. It's a dangerous world out there and, yes, I know there are laws requiring drivers to give the right of way to a pedestrian. But, sadly, we don't always get that, so it's up to us to increase our visibility.

Making ourselves more visible and alerting vehicles of our presence sooner is proven to increase our safety and to make vehicles less irritated with us. We call it conspicuous — easily seen or noticed; readily visible or observable: attracting special attention.

Wearing high contrasting color, hi viz colors and reflective clothing helps make your presence known whether you are riding, running, or walking and a vehicle who has gotten an early indication to your being is better prepared and less likely to become confrontational with you.

Think about it, Hunters don't wear orange so the deer can see them, it's for the other hunters and for each other's safety. No different on a bicycle! Let's discuss three things that the cyclist can use to increase their safety. We'll call it the ABC's for safer cycling.

A is for always on. Use lighting, front and rear and always have them on. Utilize a clear flashing light for the front and a red flashing light for the rear to alert vehicles of your whereabouts.

Several lights are now manufactured with a specific flash pattern that changes lighting levels throughout the cycle, which is less likely to be overlooked by vehicles. It draws their attention quickly.

The front clear light doesn't need to be overly bright, but just enough to help vehicles entering from your right or left to notice you. Daytime running lights on cars and motorcycles have been proven to reduce accidents, so don't think the lights are just for the nighttime commutes or rides.

Specific lights for cyclists have been designed around daylight use. They are brighter with specific flash patterns for visibility close to 1.24 miles away.

B is for Biomotion. The moving parts on your body are the best areas to wear hi-viz, reflective or bold colors. Since they are in motion, it's easier for vehicles to notice. Hi-viz or reflective fabrics that are stationary aren't noticed as much as something moving.

Arms, legs, and feet are great body parts to cover with the hi-viz or reflective clothing. Helmets and gloves would be the next items to add since your head will be moving to look around and hands are used for signaling.

Some tires come with a reflective stripe on the sidewall which offers little safety for traffic approaching a rider from the front or rear, but does increase your visibility to vehicles from the side.

C is for Contrast. Choose loud colors that offer more contrast to your environment and surrounding. Hi-viz or fluorescent colors are great for the daylight, use them often for your daytime outings, but remember that those colors require UV light which gives them intense color.

A hi-viz fluorescent jacket will be no more visible than a black jacket at night when UV light rays are absent, so don't be misjudging your visibility to vehicles by thinking the fluorescent colors are helping at night. That's where the reflective technologies comes in.

They reflect very low levels of light and offer the highest level of visibility during low-light situations such as dusk and nighttime adventures.

Pixel reflective fabrics which contain glass microspheres that return light rays in the direction from which they came make great additions for the cyclists' wardrobe. Clothing companies for cyclists have paired this Pixelated fabric with Hi-viz fluorescents, giving you the best of both worlds!

Fabrics have advanced and clothing for cycling has become more than a stylish thing. Breathable, insulated, windproof, water repellant and reflective have all made the mark on cycling garments.

It's a lot to digest, but no matter what you choose always think of your safety before heading out. Making yourself stand out and being noticed will only increase your safety.

Be courteous when commuting, move over if and when possible, wave and thank drivers who give you space or allow you through the intersection. Last but not least don't take unnecessary risks.

Be Loud and be seen to return home safe to ride another day.

Travis and Julie Saeler are cycling columnists for the Butler Eagle