Originally Posted by
v6v6v6
I'm confused, are you saying being very bright and reflective has an effect on whether a driver will harass you or not?
Actually, looking like you know what you're doing, and that you're doing the right thing seems to lower the number of harassments. Dressing the part (call it fred-like if you wish) seems to help project that image.
FWIW, I notice that when I'm commuting at night - with lights ablaze and reflectors reflecting - people actually seem to be more considerate than a typical day-light commute.
Guess this is a long winded +1 to Treespeed's comment... but yeah, take the space you need, keep it, and don't be fazed by JAMs.