Originally Posted by
aaronechang
I've noticed this also - cars tend to be more cautious (and occasionally hesitate to pass even) when you're wearing your vest. This may be because they certainly notice you more, or also because they think you're a bike cop. On several occasions at stoplights I've heard passengers remark about "that bike cop" (referring to me, I presume). When I'm in downtown I constantly get stopped by both drivers and pedestrians asking for directions.
My helmet is the same color as my neon yellow vest and I also wear dark wraparound sunglasses during the day. These no doubt contribute to the "bike cop" look.
As long as people see me, I don't really mind that they think I'm a cop.
Funny story: One day I went into a deli to buy a sandwich at lunch time. A woman ahead of me at the counter was in the middle of her order, but she was so nice - interrupted the store worker and told her to go ahead and take my order right away. I thanked her several times for being so courteous. Finally at one point she said something about understanding that I have to get back to work. That's when I realized she must have thought I was a school crossing guard or something like that because of my reflective vest!