Commuting - Riding with a Banner Pole = more safety?

I have started using one of those Banner Poles with the little orange triangle banner on top, attached to the side of the rear tire.
Do they really do a good job at increasing visibility and safety when commuting or is it just a nuisance?
I've noticed that cars notice me when cruising along, even when I'm blocked visually by other cars they can still see the little orange banner wiggling high.
But I have yet to put it on at night, would i make a difference at night? besides the required lights and reflectors?
What do you think?

I got me today also TireFlys at Target $ 8.50 ( a pair, extra batteries include), I'll try the Monday, they're supposed to make you super-visible while turning the wheels.
Corsaire :rolleyes:

NO feedbacks? as to WHO ELSE ride with this?
Corsaire

You could put some reflective tape on the flag and pole to help with night time visibility.I have it all over my commuting helmet.

I guess every little bit helps when it comes to being more visible. Seems like it would be a hassle to ride with, though. The CrossRoads Cycling Adventure folks recommend safety flags on their cross-country bike tours, so there's at least one group that thinks these are a good idea.

I thougth so too, but it doesn't getin my way, obstruct or anything for that matter. The only thing is I just can't mount the bike the usual way. With the pole on, I just have to pass the right leg over the top tube first, then ride away. To dismount, just pass the right leg again in reverse this time, takes a bit to get used to it.
Corsaire

I don't think many people use them because they look...well...dorky. :p I mean, they will get you noticed, I suppose. But I doubt you'll get too many converts. I personally have strips of red reflective tape on the back of my helmet and dropouts, and more reflective tape tabs attached to my spokes. Saves weight and gets you noticed because they move and glitter. Whatever works, I suppose.

Now the recumbent guys use them because many times they're just so low to the ground they need something above eye-level to be noticed.

No flag for me but I've been known to use tireflys.

Ha,Ha,Ha! :)
I knew it was coming: the Dorky look comment, by the trying to look "so cool" dudes.
Dorky wise, I don't think is THAT bad at all, to me a dorky look would be an ornament on top of your helmet or so.
But really, I think I look cool with my banner on, however I could CARE LESS about what people think, it's me who's riding and I WANT TO get noticed, not because I'm looking cool or anything for that matter, but for my own safety. The only person who really cares about my OWN safety is MYSELF.
Corsaire ;)

LOL! :D

Well, my bike looks like a Honda Goldwing without the motor. It's pretty nerdy. But adding a flagpole to it would just push it over to dorkiness, so I don't do it. :p But I think the lights, reflective tape, and colorful clothing make me noticable enough. There's nothing wrong with having a flag on your bike. It's just a personal preference. And it helps keep you seen. If it works for you, then more power to you!

My bike is an aerodynamic looking hybrid (by new year upgrading to a Bianchi road bike hopefully), Univega Via Montega. So, it just add that touch of "notoriety" to the bike, like the peloton pacers at the New York City Marathon. ;)
Corsaire

I have a flagpole in my kayak trailer. I feel it is needed there because the combination is long (the boat alone is 5,5 meters) and the trailer rides low. I don't want to think what would be left of me, my bike, trailer and the kayak if some clueless cager hit it in traffic.

I would not use it on my bike alone.

--J