Originally Posted by
gauvins
Totally agree. Perhaps worthy of a distinct thread. My post was only to report on a rather silly test.
One thing -- reflective clothing is perhaps the first and best line of defence. I remember being fascinated by the hi-viz gear used by ferry crews, in Scotland I believe. Looking into the hold from the onshore pre-boarding area was like watching a sci-fi movie with aliens moving around inside a cavern. Simple 4-inch wide reflective arm, chest and leg bands. No annoying blinking. Striking. Deceptively simple (white) -- at close range you would not notice these bands.
Fair dinkum.
Clothing would not be the first line of defense. Anything that is not directly providing light is less visible without someone else's light. That is not to say it is a bad thing and totally without merit obviously it does make it easier to see someone when light is shone. In a situation like you are describing they are invaluable but it is a safer environment with regards to reflectivity as people are looking for it and know there are people working and it is active site. On the road people aren't really looking for cyclists or really anyone sometimes they aren't expected there are usually higher speeds of vehicles (not always and some job sites and loading docks can have fast moving vehicles and they aren't truly safe).
I should note that I just got a ProViz Reflect 360 cycling jacket and I do love the visibility when light hits it it really shows up though the inside of the jacket that mesh I am not a fan of and the jacket is a bit heavy but overall great purchase but I wouldn't trade it for decent lights but is a great addition and certainly one I am so far glad I made. Being more visible is important and having your own methods for making yourself seen is the key having ridden and seen plenty of cars at night who don't use headlights for whatever reason having to rely on them to make me seen is not a good thing. I love pancakes of all forms except human ones made from me ; )