Pearl establishes its own standard for 360-degree reflectivity and visibility

Louisville, Colo. (Aug. 31, 2015)- Pearl Izumi, maker of ride, run and triathlon performance apparel and footwear, is reinventing the art and science of being seen. For Fall 2015, Pearl Izumi introduces an all-new assortment of high-visibility running apparel using BioViz™ technology. Pearl Izumi BioViz™ garments are designed to leverage human biology and activate a driver’s stimuli with information so intuitive that it works at the subconscious level.

Twenty years ago, Pearl Izumi forever changed running safety with the introduction of the screaming yellow jacket. This fall, Pearl Izumi focused the new line on making runners visible in all conditions, day or night. BioViz™ technology turns reflectivity into a powerful communication and safety tool for both runners and drivers. The Pearl Izumi BioViz™ standard demands that runners be visible at a minimum of 70 meters, a number deemed a safe distance for drivers to have ample time to take corrective action if necessary, based on Pearl Izumi’s research.

“Our hope in investing in this research and development of quantifiable standard for wearable safety technology is not only to keep our customers safe out there on the road, but to encourage other brands to join us in developing an industry standard to keep athletes safe,” said Kelly Davidson, Product Line Manager for Run Apparel. “Currently, there are no quantifiable standards to refer to when developing or labeling a garment as high-vis. We need to draw a line in the sand and we hope that the entire industry will join us in this conversation.”

BioViz™ relies on a combination of true fluorescent colors for daytime visibility and strategically placed reflective markers for optimal nighttime performance.

The fluorescent Screaming Yellow color used by Pearl Izumi actually converts invisible UV rays into visible light, causing the garment to appear to glow, making riders visible from up to five times farther away than with standard colors. Using color is critical to help cyclists be better seen in daylight, since reflective material only works at low light or nighttime conditions. New for this season, Pearl Izumi is introducing two additional true florescent colors, Screaming Green and Screaming Pink.

Beyond the new 70m minimum-visibility standard for reflectivity, Pearl Izumi is using the principal of bio-motion to turn reflective markers into a powerful communication tool.

The concept behind bio-motion, based on the study from Swedish Psychologist Gunnar Johansson, stems from the general idea that the brain is programed to notice patterns of movement. BioViz™ apparel uses reflective materials at specific strategic points to create visual cues that identify cyclists to drivers, faster. Markers placed high on the body create a steady reference point, while markers on the waist and thighs create a secondary rhythmic pattern, and locations on the lower extremities provide dynamic movement. Together, these three reference points communicate to drivers that you are a human running alongside the road, and not just another bright object at night.

In addition to bio-motion, our brains are wired to notice graphic patterns. Through strategic color blocking, Pearl Izumi BioViz™ apparel engages the driver faster than solid hi-vis colors. 

Here is a short YouTube video introduction to BioViz™ by Pearl Izumi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0g6rXRefJc&feature=youtu.be

Pearl Izumi BioViz™ RUN Highlights (product images shown below):

Fly Jacket

Designed for wind and water resistance with Barrier fabric plus 360-degree reflectivity, this jacket banishes moisture with primely positioned back venting. The perfect pick for cool, windy, light rain days. Features: Zippered back pocket to store your key, food, phone or music. Internal fist mitts seal in warmth, full center front zipper. MSRP $85

Fly Thermal Tight

Thermal Transfer Dry fabric provides warmth and comfort, keeping runners dry and warm on the harshest winter days. An elasticized waistband ensures a comfortable fit while a zippered back pocket stores your key, food, phone or music. MSRP $80

Flash Insulator Run Jacket

This versatile jacket combines barrier fabric with lightweight fleece to insulate runners while ensuring optimal range of motion, all in an optimal design featuring cutting-edge fluorescent and black color contrast. MSRP $150

Flash ¾ Tight Print

Beautify your bottom line with an over-the-calf tight designed to deliver a performance fit and fashion acclaim from every angle-- especially that ever-important rear view. A convenient stash pocket on the right thigh keeps your cell phone secure while a wide waistband keeps you feeling secure and looking flattering. Zippered back pocket for added, secure storage. MSRP $60

Flash Run Pant

This pant is the solution for guys who don’t wear tights. With Transfer-Dry stretch fabric to provide moisture transfer and stretch, the Flash Run Pant is a modern twist on a traditional track pant. This pant is perfect for throwing on over shorts for a pre-race warm up or as an added layer of lightweight warmth to kick the autumn chill. Features zippered hand pockets for storage. MSRP $90

Pearl Izumi has also introduced an all-new BioViz RIDE collection. Shop the RUN and RIDE BioViz™ piece at: http://shop.pearlizumi.com/index.php.

About Pearl Izumi

For over 60 years, Pearl Izumi has been evolving and revolutionizing the design and manufacture of performance apparel and footwear for athletes who depend on uncompromising gear. Pearl Izumi products empower runners, riders and triathletes to be faster, more comfortable and to perform better 365 days of the year. In 2014, Pearl Izumi rooted its new world headquarters in the Colorado Front Range where it embraces strong influence, both culturally and structurally, from its Japanese heritage.