Originally Posted by
Shahmatt
On the contrary, I did indeed make the switch, and I did so mainly for purposes of safety. My primary commuting bike is now a two wheel recumbent - not a tandem or velomobile. I am far more seen than I ever was on my upright bike. I am given a lot more respect on the road than I ever was before. Close passes are a tenth of what they were before, and this without even using a safety flag.
I proved to myself that all vehicles on the road, small or large, are in fact seen but unfortunately taken for granted. A recumbent makes you stop and take notice, and with that comes the perk of a little bit of extra space. If at all recumbents become ubiquitous then I suspect that perk would vanish.
You would not be the first BF poster willing to bet their precious *** on junk science and anecdotal wisdom. Rock on. But know this. Even the makers of recumbents don't think they are safer from being hit than DF bicycles. That's why all come with the provision for mounting a flag. Any perceived increased "respect" from other road users is completely in your own mind. If you are ever hit, the driver is going to say they didn't see you. That's just what they say. Always. However, in your case, the judge and/or jury will believe them without ANY evidence being called into consideration. The driver that killed that recumbent rider was 84 and should probably not be driving. Nevertheless as a result of the judges ruling she is free to continue driving until she tries it again on a road user with more standing in the community than the rider of an ungainly 'contraption'.