Originally Posted by
Leisesturm
I can't tell anyone what or how to feel, but I can suggest that perhaps they are missing the point: is it better to 'feel' safer or is it better to BE safer? Try reporting for work as a highway flagger without your hi-viz and see where you get. Just because German cyclists don't wear hi-viz... I mean... they don't wear helmets either, for the most part... does that mean that these things are truly not useful, or is it that they are maybe not that useful in GERMANY, where there are stiff penalties for motorists that maul cyclists because "they didn't see them... " In the U.S. and U.K., drivers are held to much less of an account for their actions. Cyclists have fought back against the mounting CARNAGE by doing what they can, to be more visible. Is that such a bad thing? Really? Is it so bad to want to take some steps to tip the odds in your favour (sic) at night. Or even in the daylight. Being contrarian only works when there isn't anyone around as smart or smarter, who can call you on it. It also isn't cool to be contrarian when the issue is a life and death one.
H
HOLY CRAP a post from you that I can agree with!
I personally see cycling as a very safe activity, if performed in a safe and predictable manner. For me, wearing a helmet while out in traffic, wearing high-vis stuff, and using bright flashing lights is just a part of being safe.
I personally do not judge anyone who doesn't wear a helmet. I don't always wear one myself. But for any long distance or any time I'm out among traffic I prefer to wear one as a personal choice.
In my opinion, being visible is just a part of being safe. Lights, high-vis and reflective stuff are big parts of that. Riding a bike with dark clothing, and no lights or reflectors at night is a very UNSAFE way to ride. Sure you can have all the situational awareness you want, but you can't predict or see EVERYTHING coming. Eventually something WILL take you by surprise where it probably wouldn't have happened if you had taken more steps to be more visible.