Winter commuting or navigating city streets at night isn't exactly a walk in the park. Beyond your standard helmet and frame lights, the goal is to be seen from every possible angle.

The Arclight PRO Flat Pedals by Redshift aim to solve the visibility problem by putting lights where drivers are most likely to notice them: on your moving feet. I’ve been testing them out to see if they live up to the hype.

Let there be light!

Why these pedals are actually "smart"

Usually, when a cycling component is called "smart," it means there’s an app you’ll never use. In this case, the "smarts" are built directly into the hardware to make your life easier.

Auto-Color Orientation: The pedals use internal sensors to figure out which way is forward. No matter how the pedal flips, the front-facing LEDs stay white and the rear-facing ones stay red.
Auto On/Off: They feature motion-sensing technology. They wake up the moment you start moving and shut down after you park to preserve the battery.
Bio-Motion: Human brains are hardwired to recognize the specific motion of a person pedaling. By placing lights on the pedals, you are instantly recognizable as a cyclist rather than a random flickering light.

The Arclight PRO lights in action

The light inserts: the genius and the gamble

The real talking point here isn't just that the pedals have lights—it's how those lights are integrated. Redshift went with a modular, magnetic design that changes the user experience entirely.

The Good: Engineering Done Right

The "Snap" Factor: The magnetic locking system is incredibly satisfying. You don’t need tools, clips, or brute force. They slide in and "thunk" into place with a level of security that survived my worst pothole encounters.
Charging Simplicity: Because the inserts are modular, you aren't bringing your dirty bike to a wall outlet. You pop the four modules out and stick them into the included 4-port USB dock.
No Flimsy Plastic: Most bike lights fail at the mount. By using magnets and a recessed housing, there are no plastic tabs to snap off and no rubber bands to perish in the sun.

The Bad: The Commuter’s Dilemma

The "Quick-Release" Curse: The same magnetic design that makes them easy for you to remove makes them just as easy for a thief to pocket. If you leave your bike locked outside a shop, those £40 modules are essentially sitting there behind a "free to a good home" sign. To keep them safe, you have to develop the habit of "harvesting" your pedals every time you lock up. It only takes five seconds, but it's one more thing to remember.

Who are they for?

These are a perfect fit for commuters and e-bike riders. If you’re already riding a bike that weighs 20kg+, you won't notice the few extra grams these pedals add in exchange for the massive safety boost.

It is also worth noting that Redshift caters to both camps here. The Arclight PROs come in two versions:

Flat Pedals: (The ones I’ve reviewed here) perfect for everyday shoes and urban riding.
Clipless Pedals: A dual-sided SPD-compatible version for those who want the safety of the lights but prefer being clipped in for efficiency.

I originally planned to keep the flats on my gravel bike for those murky winter night rides. However, after my wife saw them in action, she "requisitioned" them for her commuter bike immediately. I think that's the ultimate glowing review 😅

Get a Discount on Redshift Gear

If you’re looking to pick up a set of Arclight PROs or any other Redshift gear (like their famous ShockStop stem), I have a 15% discount for you, just use this link and make sure to use this code at the checkout:
BIKESANDBACON
Just a heads-up, this won't work during sales, and a few accessories might be excluded.