I was riding laps around the Veloway a few days ago, when I closed on another cyclist. I was about to call, “On your left,” when he glanced up, and moved over on his own. As I drew even with him, I saw that he had a rear-view mirror mounted on his helmet. He obviously saw me coming, and knew when he would have to make way for me.

I’ve never used a mirror. On a typical group ride, I see only a few. Most appear to be helmet mirrors, but occasionally I see a mirror attached to a bar end.
I wonder — would a mirror make a difference?
I always try to be aware of my surroundings when I ride, and I scan behind me frequently. There’s no doubt in my mind that a mirror would make the scanning a little easier, since I wouldn’t have to worry about keeping the bike on a straight line while looking back. But it’s the looking back that I think keeps me aware and on my guard.
Besides, a helmet mirror looks a bit dorky, doesn’t it?

The bar end mirrors are less so.
Like most of us, I also drive a lot. I have a rear-view mirror and two side-view mirrors on my car. I use them constantly. I suppose I should consider doing the same when I ride my bike.
I guess the real question I’ve been considering lately is — are mirrors a biking necessity? Should we all be using them? And if so, what arguments are there in favor of one type over another?
I’d like to hear about your experiences.
Get Some
Handlebar Mirrors
Helmet Mirrors