Safety and sports equipment, as well as apparel and accessories, including one or more wire-like or flat electroluminescent lamps for illumination. The lamps may be powered by battery, solar energy, or any other suitable means of energy. The lamps may further be secured to an object, embedded within a rigid surface, or recessed within a material. The lamps may be either permanently, temporarily, or removably secured to the 6 object that is being illuminated.