Safety: Why Use a Rear Radar?
In the 1970s when I started road cycling in Minnesota, the only way to know if a car was approaching from behind was to listen keenly with my ears, or to perhaps turn my head around and look behind quickly. My ears could only hear a car when it was relatively nearby, too late for me to move over towards safety. Turning my head always caused me to lose that straight line, so there must be a better way. PBC has a nice guide to safe bike riding in which it talks about using a rearview mirror, sound advice, Riding in Groups: A Guide to Safe Bike Riding (see #4).
Several years ago on a club ride, I noticed a few riders with the handlebar-mounted mirrors, so I bought one and quickly enjoyed the added safety of seeing what was behind me, both cars and other riders. Over the years I began noticing more cyclists adding rear lights that combined with radars, and it intrigued me; so, I read reviews and watched videos of the benefits of using a rear radar. Last year, I finally bought a Garmin Varia RTL515 radar with taillight, on sale for $150.00, normally priced at $199.99. ✎
It attaches to the seat post with a stretchy rubber band and comes with multiple wedges to fit any shape. A single charge lasts about 12 hours and there are different light modes to choose from. On my Garmin bike computer, I added the new sensor and went for a ride. While cycling along, the Garmin bike computer gives an audible beep when a vehicle is approaching from behind, and then the display shows an orange line with a dot representing the distance of the car to me.
By just glancing at my computer display, I can tell how many cars are approaching and about how long it will take for them to pass by me. Wow, what a welcome safety feature! The new radar works so well that I rarely look into my rearview mirror anymore, except to identify which cyclist is right behind me. On my Garmin bike computer, I can select which side of the display the car traffic appears on, left or right.
Garmin does have this radar on sale about twice per year for $50.00 off the full retail price, so if you are frugal then wait; otherwise, consider investing right away in something that will make you aware of approaching car traffic. You can use this Garmin Varia radar with a Smartphone or even with a Wahoo bike computer, it’s that popular and well supported.
Editor’s note: I found the Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar with Taillight on sale today for $149.99 at Walmart.com and at Amazon.com. You can also purchase it at Bike Tires Direct; although their price is currently $199.99, they have a price match guarantee. PBC has a relationship with Bike Tires Direct, and if you buy your products from them, you will get rewards points that can be applied to future purchases. Also, Bike Tires Direct is local, so you can order online and pick it up the same day or have them ship it to you for free. Call Bike Tires Direct at 503-917-0156 if you need help with your order.
Daniel Payne, Club Member