Originally Posted by
Clegg2
I have the usual helmet, high Vis vest and lights but still shocked that some other road users still fail to see me.
If the roads are straight, at the point they're failing to see you, and if your lighting and reflective gear is sufficiently bright and attention-getting ... IMO it's hard to imagine they don't actually see you. Reasonably likely they are ignoring you. Which might suggest the routes you're selection (or forced to take) are well-populated with such people. Not a lot that can be done about that, aside from avoiding such routes as much as you can.
In my area, I have two or three such roads, where the rear-ending problem is frequent, and mostly due to vehicle drivers simply not given a damn about the deadly threat they're presenting. I won't go on those roads, as they're death traps. Not enough places with proper bike lanes, in my area. And so, it's high-viz gear and only going on particular roads at particular times. Aren't many other choices.
My own preference, which have seemed to greatly increase my visibility
and the amount of space yielded to me by vehicle drivers:
- Tail light -- CygoLite HyperShot 350 -- on a random flash pattern, sometimes on a steady pattern
- Tail light -- CygoLite HyperShot 350 -- yes, a second one, on a different flash pattern than the first
- Head light -- CygoLite Metro Pro 1100 USB -- primary headlight
- Head light -- CygoLite Metro Pro 1100 USB -- a second one, helmet-mounted, on a flash pattern
- Helmet -- with very reflective "conspicuity" tape in all the right places; with a tail light and head light mounted
- Vest -- very reflective DayGlo type color
- Pedals -- with reflectors, such as the Velo-Orange Grand Cru Sabot
- Conspicuity (highly reflective) Tape -- can wrap around seat stays, chain stays, down tube, top tube, forks, for visibility from headlights from all angles
Could also add a tall flag ... you know, the sort that kids often have on their bikes when they're little and extreme visibility is required in their neighborhoods as they begin exploring.
https://www.identi-tape.com/3M-conspicuity.htm
https://cygolite.com/product/hypershot-350-usb/
https://cygolite.com/product/metro-pro-1100-usb/