Bicycle Visibility
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 212
Bikes: Jamis Satellite; Ellsworth Scant
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bicycle Visibility
I had a bit of an epiphany while driving home from a club ride yesterrday. I was on a fairly busy road at about 40mph following a motorcyle and a line of cars in front of him. As traffic slowed I found myself too close to the bike and realised that unconsiously I was basing my distance off the car in front of him. He was on a dark bike with nondiscript clothing and unless I consiously focused on him he was almost "invisible" to me.
If this happens to a motorcycle, what do I look like on a bicycle to other drivers in traffic! Although I always commute with 2 blinking rear lights, 2 blinking front (in daylight) and wear really bright clothing, I finally saw why this is so important.
I guess what I am trying to say is, do whatever it takes to make yourself as visible as possible, looking like a clown may save your life.
If this happens to a motorcycle, what do I look like on a bicycle to other drivers in traffic! Although I always commute with 2 blinking rear lights, 2 blinking front (in daylight) and wear really bright clothing, I finally saw why this is so important.
I guess what I am trying to say is, do whatever it takes to make yourself as visible as possible, looking like a clown may save your life.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: White Bear Lake Mn
Posts: 764
Bikes: 88 Schwin Voyageur, 84 Schwinn World Sport, 85 Univega Alpina Uno, 85 Fuji Espree, 09 Novara Strada, 06 Jamis Durango, 03 Specialized Expediton Sport, 09 Surly LHT, 12 Novara Gotham
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I agree. I have come up on several people riding bicycles, even during the day, that blend in with the surroundings. I started wearing a HiVis yellow helmet and shirt. My bike has bright white blinkies in front, a SuperFlash on helmet and on the rear rack.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Augusta, GA
Posts: 639
Bikes: Bottecchia CF frame and fork, Ultegra 6603 crank and FD, DuraAce RD, Easton Vista wheels, Brooks B-17 saddle, Shimano 105 brakes, Michelin Pro2 Race tires
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I wear a bright flourescent yellow reflective vest for my morning and evening commutes. Never wear it when out just riding, but always on the commute where I expect more traffic.
#4
GATC
I was following a soldier biking home from Fort Lewis on the freeway the other day. Black harley (not that it mattered, riding into the sun), guy wearing all his camo, and he had a shoulder sash that was that visibility chartreuse but it was kinda lost in the folds of his clothes. I guess he was trying a little anyway.
#5
Barbieri Telefonico
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Posts: 3,522
Bikes: Crappy but operational secondhand Motobecane Messenger
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
military are mandated to have a mil -spec hi viz vest
__________________
Giving Haircuts Over The Phone
Giving Haircuts Over The Phone
#6
GATC
I was wondering if he was required to stick to the sash, but sounds like the opposite is the case, unless the sash counts as the vest.
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 12
Bikes: 2005 Specialized Enduro, 2007 Kona Jake
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I'm in the Army and you can wear both, depends on your commander. Those "sashes" are our PT belts, which we are required to wear when we workout (so we don't get ran over when running). I wear a hi-vis yellow PT belt around my backpack at all times as well as putting one around my top tube at night. They are very reflective and seem to do the trick.
#8
Scan Me
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 771
Bikes: 2009 Trek 2.3, 2010 Specialized Secteur Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#9
SA[in]NE
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: WNY
Posts: 576
Bikes: Trek 7200
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Always wear the vest, I know it's saved me a couple times...guy making an illegal U-turn, did a second look at me and held up and a guy about ready to open his door, did second take. I saw them both and could have PROBABLY moved defensively but I know it was because of the vest that caught their eye.
#10
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
This is what I wear most days (in addition to my lights and reflective bits)
https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...3A%20Outerwear
https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...3A%20Outerwear
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#11
Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Atlantic Beach, Fl
Posts: 24
Bikes: Trek Navigator 3.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I was following a soldier biking home from Fort Lewis on the freeway the other day. Black harley (not that it mattered, riding into the sun), guy wearing all his camo, and he had a shoulder sash that was that visibility chartreuse but it was kinda lost in the folds of his clothes. I guess he was trying a little anyway.
#12
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
too.
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Ky. and FL.
Posts: 3,944
Bikes: KHS steel SS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the harbor freight vest, otherwise I wear bright shirts when riding. Most of the time.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 1,894
Bikes: Bianchi Via Nirone 7, Jamis Sputnik
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I always wear a yellow or orange tee shirt when commuting. Blinkies are always on day or night.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NYC
Posts: 324
Bikes: Aluminum Falcon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
After daylight savings the majority of bike commuters in NYC end up biking at night. I often ride up the west side river path as do thousands of others. It has been a pleasant turn of events to note that a majority of riders have a front and back blinking lights. This has changed tremendously over the past 5 years. I think it's great.
#17
Unlisted member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 6,192
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1376 Post(s)
Liked 432 Times
in
297 Posts
I was following a soldier biking home from Fort Lewis on the freeway the other day. Black harley (not that it mattered, riding into the sun), guy wearing all his camo, and he had a shoulder sash that was that visibility chartreuse but it was kinda lost in the folds of his clothes. I guess he was trying a little anyway.
#18
What is this demonry?!
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Central IL
Posts: 1,097
Bikes: KHS Aero Comp.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Reflectors on rims are horrid because they unbalance your wheel completely. Either have one that goes all the way around or put reflective tape on the rim just under the braking surface, but why make your ride suffer by having such things on your bike. But that guy in the picture has the right idea, since at that point you wouldn't notice the wobble nearly as much.
#19
Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Atlantic Beach, Fl
Posts: 24
Bikes: Trek Navigator 3.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Reflectors on rims are horrid because they unbalance your wheel completely. Either have one that goes all the way around or put reflective tape on the rim just under the braking surface, but why make your ride suffer by having such things on your bike. But that guy in the picture has the right idea, since at that point you wouldn't notice the wobble nearly as much.