Give the gift everyone can use this holiday
Looking for a gift that’s practical, fun, and actually useful almost every day? Skip the random candles and coffee mugs. This year, give something that makes every trip brighter, safer, and smoother: safety gear.
During the darker months, everyone can use visibility gear. The risk of a cycling collision jumps by roughly 55% at night compared to daytime. (View source) Whether you normally bike, bus, ride a train or drive, everyone’s a pedestrian the moment they step out on the street to complete a journey. Going to a white elephant party? Safety gear is likely unexpected, clever, and very useful for anyone.
So here’s DCR’s Mobility Safety Gift Guide, packed with things to help be seen when moving about.
Reflective gear for walking
Whether someone’s walking to a bus stop, in a parking lot, jogging after work, or walking the dog, reflective gear is a simple way to increase visibility to drivers.
- Reflective strap vests. Useful over jackets, very lightweight and can easily be rolled up in your pocket. View and buy on GOSUPPS.
- Reflective slap bands for ankles and wrists, very easy to use and even more effective if wearing more than one! View and buy on 4imprint.com.
- Reflective decals for backpacks, helmets, strollers, or scooters. Durable and perfect for kids! View and buy on Etsy.
- Reflective decorations for bags, such as keychains or tassels. View and buy on Etsy.
- Reflective dog leash for safer nighttime walks with your pets. View and buy on IfItBarks.com.
These are cheap, fun, and work for anyone.
Blinking bike lights
If you’re friends or family bike, even occasionally, lights are a must. Research shows that cyclists using flashing front and rear lights are significantly more visible during both day and night riding.
- Compact USB-charged rear light: view and buy on knog.com.
- Front and rear light: view and buy on BicycleWarehouse.
- Reflective helmet. Cool and clean looking during both day or night. View and buy on Swivvle.com.
They’re small, bright and affordable! Ideal for a white elephant gift.
Bus rider essentials (for your transit-riding friends)
Bus riders are pedestrians when they’re getting to a stop or final destination – so the reflective gear above is highly useful. But a few kit upgrades make you even more visible, especially during the darker parts of the year.
- Reflective backpack: view and buy on proviz.
- Reflective umbrella: view and buy on ReflectSafe.
These are practical for anyone who walks to transit, waits outside for a ride, or often rides their bike in the dark.
The ultimate gift: a transit pass
This one is always a hit. A month-long travel card means unlimited bus and/or train rides, fewer parking headaches, and a greener commute. Transit passes pay for themselves fast, and they’re the perfect “wow” gift that still keeps it simple. Perfect for students!
- Check your local transit agency as almost all of them offer monthly passes or reloadable cards.
Travel cards are thoughtful, sustainable and immediately usable on day one, perfect around the holidays when there are many festive occasions to attend.
A few stats to mention (or use in your Christmas rhymes) when you give these gifts
- Most pedestrian and cyclist fatalities occur in low-light conditions — visibility is everything. (view source).
- Flashing bike lights and reflective wear can reduce collision risk by making riders more visible.
- Households that use transit regularly can save thousands per year compared to car-only travel
.(view source). - Even one month of transit riding can cut dozens of pounds of CO₂ emissions. A small action with a big impact
.(view source). - Transit agencies across the country similarly report thatvisibility saves lives. Studies consistently show that reflective clothing and bike lights dramatically reduce the risk of collisions after dark
.(view source).
Bottom line
This year, give something that makes a real difference. Reflective gear, blinking lights, or a transit pass are all practical, affordable, sustainable, and can be life-saving. Perfect for friends, coworkers, family, or the white elephant crowd.
Give the gift of safety! Everyone can use it.
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For more information visit:
Vision Zero, Safe systems approach and NHTSA
