Here is an interesting experiment done by a cyclist who measured the passing gap of cars depending on what he wore...sorry if this old stuff.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/somerset/5334208.stm


Looks like the best tactic for a cyclist is to wear a skirt and disguise your helmet with a womans wig...then just hope you don't meet up with anyone you know.

must admit i rarely wear a helmet when i'm on the road* and do notice that i generally get loads of space from drivers, and that loads will even slow behind me and wait for an opening or until i wave them by..


*really only wear a helmet when on the trails, mostly only downhill when i think i've a chance of falling off.