We all know that the specialty bike safety flags not only look great on your fleet, but they also serve an important purpose—enhancing visibility to cars and improving rider safety. However, handling these fiberglass poles can be a real pain—literally! If you’ve ever dealt with those irritating fiberglass slivers, you’re not alone.

John Fryhling, New Orleans manager & franchisee, has discovered a simple and effective solution: ¼-inch clear heat shrink tubing! This quick fix eliminates those pesky slivers while still allowing the pole’s colors to show through.

How to Apply Heat Shrink Tubing to Your Bike Safety Flag Poles:

Cut the tubing to approximately 4 feet, 9 inches in length.

Cut the fiberglass pole to about 6 feet, 9 inches to ensure proper fit.

Slide the tubing over the pole all the way up to the flag, leaving the last foot uncovered. This ensures the section that inserts into the bike remains tubing-free.

Use a heat gun to shrink the tubing tightly around the pole. Be sure the tubing is snug to minimize water from seeping under the plastic.

Insert the pole into the bike, and you’re good to go!

This simple modification not only protects your hands from fiberglass splinters but also extends the life of your safety flag poles. Want to give it a try? You can order 1/4″ heat shrink tubing here from Amazon.

Thanks to John for sharing this great tip!