Why Do Cyclists Wear Sunglasses? 3 Main Reasons Explained!

Q: Do you wear cycling sunglasses over or under helmet straps?

Most pro cyclists wear sunglasses over helmet straps. This is because of the following reasons: • It looks better. • It is easier to take them off. • The sunglasses are more stable. • They can more clearly show their sponsors. • The sunglasses prevent helmet straps from flapping in the wind.

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After the first few rides on my bike, I realized I couldn’t continue cycling without sunglasses. These rides were pretty dangerous, and I almost crashed multiple times because of a bug in my eye and tearing eyes. But there are more reasons cyclists wear sunglasses…

KEY TAKEAWAY

Cyclists wear sunglasses mainly to protect their eyes against insects, UV rays, and other elements. Some sunglasses even have contrast-enhancing lenses that improve vision and allow them to spot potholes from a greater distance. They are also an accessory that makes them look more like pros.

Table of Contents

The 3 Best Reasons to Wear Cycling Sunglasses
Conclusion
Cycling Sunglasses FAQ

The 3 Best Reasons to Wear Cycling Sunglasses

The following part includes in-depth explanations of the most important reasons to wear cycling sunglasses.

Me riding with sunglasses in the rain while having rainbow behind me. — Me riding with my sunglasses in the rain

1. Insects & Bugs Protection

Cycling sunglasses are perfect for protecting your eyes against insects. Even a tiny fly can throw you off balance.

This is something I’ve been experiencing during my first rides without sunglasses.

If you have ever had something in your eye that shouldn’t be there, you know how unpleasant it is. Now, imagine you experience this when cycling.

It can result in just a temporary loss of your attention or a big crash caused by losing control.

This can be especially dangerous on group rides where you are not alone, and it is essential to keep your line.

Insects are tiny but can cause big issues.

Cycling sunglasses don’t have to be expensive. Check out these affordable cycling sunglasses.

2. Elements Protection

Protecting your eyes against elements like water, wind, mud, dust, branches, etc., is no less important, especially for mountain bikers who often encounter them in terrain.

Scicon Sunglasses Splashed with Water — Cycling Sunglasses Splashed with Water

Road cyclists’ biggest enemy is often considered the (head)wind. However, you don’t have to ride fast to start tearing on a bike—a headwind can cause the same.

Once you return home from a ride without sunglasses and with a strong headwind, you will probably have irritated eyes, and they will burn you.

With sunglasses, you can easily prevent these negative effects.

PRO TIP: If you want to take off your glasses during a ride, use air vents in your bike helmet or jersey collar. Your glasses will be easily accessible in these places, so you can put them on when needed.

3. UV Rays Protection

There are three basic types of UV radiation:

UV-A
UV-B
UV-C
(Source)

An illustration of penetration of UV radiation through ozone layer (UV-A, UV-B, UV-C) — UV radiation types

UV-A and UV-B penetrate the atmosphere, even in the shade or in cloudy conditions. Over 90% of UV can penetrate a light cloud. (Source)

Sand, water, and snow can heighten these effects by up to 70 %. This means wearing cycling sunglasses is especially important if you ride in high mountains or near the ocean.

UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the Earth’s surface.

So, why is this important?

In some cases, UV rays can cause eye cancer (ocular melanoma). However, according to the American Cancer Society, other eye problems caused by UV rays are more common. UV rays can lead to:

Formation of cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens)
Tissue growth on the surface of your eye (pterygium)
Inflamed or burned cornea

The World Health Organization (WHO) also confirmed the effects of these UV rays on our eyes and added the following estimation.

Up to 20% of cataracts (or 3 million per year) could be due to UV exposure to the eye.

If you decide to buy cycling sunglasses, make sure they include a UV400 filter that filters the harmful UV rays.

Feel free to check out the best cycling sunglasses for inspiration.

Conclusion

If you don’t have cycling sunglasses, get one. They will make your ride much more comfortable and safe. Read my handy guide on how to choose cycling sunglasses.

They will protect your eyes against elements like wind, dust, water, etc., but also harmful UV rays, bugs, and insects.

This protection will ensure that you prevent potential health issues, loss of control over your bike because of bugs flying into your eye, and other scenarios.

Cycling Sunglasses FAQ

Are cycling sunglasses worth it?

Yes, cycling sunglasses are worth it. You don’t even have to buy expensive sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Most cheap cycling sunglasses include a UV400 filter to protect your eyes against harmful UV rays and will also protect you against elements like water, dust, mud, wind, etc.

What are other reasons to wear cycling sunglasses?

Except for the reasons described in the article, cyclists wear sunglasses to:
• Look cool
• Improve their visibility

To learn more about the reasons to wear cycling sunglasses, read the entire article.

Do you wear cycling sunglasses over or under helmet straps?

Most pro cyclists wear sunglasses over helmet straps. This is because of the following reasons:
• It looks better.
• It is easier to take them off.
• The sunglasses are more stable.
• They can more clearly show their sponsors.
• The sunglasses prevent helmet straps from flapping in the wind.

Preview picture: Sirotti (edited)

Why Do Cyclists Wear Sunglasses? 3 Main Reasons Explained!