What are the reflectors on my bike or scooter for?

Reflectors help keep you safe if you are riding in the dark. When a car approaches you the light waves produced by its headlights hit your reflectors and bounce back into the eyes of the driver, making him or her aware of where you are. This helps that person drive past you carefully. Reflectors are usually made of hard colored plastic with a backing of reflective material. The inner surface of the plastic is cut into many tiny angles, kind of like the sides, or facets, of a diamond. These bounce light waves around inside before they are reflected away, which explains why they are so startlingly bright. Reflectors are located at the front and back of your bike, as well as on your pedals. That way you can be seen regardless of the direction in which you are heading.