Biker395 

Yea, I'd agree. I think that properly lit (and not the kind you get at the pub), you can be much more visible than you are in daylight, particularly on darker, quieter streets. It's a matter of how easily you can be discriminated from the background "noise" ... on a completely dark street with little traffic, a red blinkie is easily noticed. Not so much so with a lot of traffic, but that's the case during daylight hours as well.

And I agree about the twilight issue. That is huge, and IMHO easily the most dangerous time. Beware any time the sun is near the horizon, whether it's in front of or behind you. And the danger also involves more than just drivers in front or behind you as well. Motorists approaching you from a perpendicular direction are just as blinded.

qcpmsame 

Twilight time is always a nerve racking time for me, out on our rural roads. As Vic and Chas have said, the low sun from the west makes vision clarity an issue for me and the drivers. I try and adapt at these times as to where I am riding and take the sun's glare from the low angle, as well as the low light conditions in other directions, into account. The perpendicular aspect is one I really try and watch for, motorist aren't looking carefully in good conditions, throw in the glare in their eyes, and from the low light in other directions, you have the makings of getting nailed by the vehicle pulling out or across the roadway.

No study to cite here, but I think that my flashing front and rear lights help out at this time. I have had feedback from motorist that the flashing light caught their attention and prevented them from pulling out on me, when I had right of way. (Having right of way, and being alive or uninjured, are not inclusive, however.) Being unsure of yourself, as Jinx seems to be, can add to all the nerves and in making mistakes. Getting in miles at all times of day and conditions is the only way I know of to condition yourself for this part of riding. Having the equipment that makes you visible and catches drivers attention can add to your self assurance, IMHO.

Jinx, The hard core commuters can also address all of these questions, have you posted your questions and doubts in the Commuting Forum?

Bill

Jinkster

Nope...sure haven't...and to be honest?...(several things)....(And maybe I'm "assuming" too much but)...Unless it's just to lurk a bit?...I rarely (if ever) venture out of the 50+ forum as I find a certain level headed wisdom, insight, compassion and understanding here that aren't always integral virtues of posting elsewhere...also?...I'm at least "Slightly Established" with a few members here in this forum so folks that do answer questions I have?...know a bit more about me and where I'm at.

That said?...I'm still in the "Testing The Waters" stages and just dabbling with the idea of "commuting"....as I'm not even sure I'll like it let alone love it (but the only way I'll know for sure is to do it and give it a try) and another thing?...is this....

I can already see where "GEOGRAPHICS" is going to play a huge role in the delta's of the understanding of others...of what it is I'm dealing with here...and what I'm dealing with?...might very well represent "The Worst Scenario Possible For Commuting"...especially for a rookie like me...as follows...

NOTE: and while much of this is written tongue & cheek for comic relief?...it's still very real for me...

This is southeast florida where I live and ride...a shoreline town on "The Treasure Coast"...40 miles due north of Palm Beach...60 miles north of Boca...80 miles north of Lauderdale...100 miles north of Miami....80 miles due south of Cocoa beach, 120 miles south of Daytona and this time of year?...we have a veritable army of retiree's that invade us! LOL!

At times?...it seems like nursing homes across the nation (regardless of age or what meds they are on) threw all their residents a set of keys to Lincolns, Cadillacs, Volvo's and BMW's and sent them on a 6 month vacation to my town for the holidays! LOL!

<end comic relief...back to reality>

About 10 years ago?...after frantically blowing my horn on my motorcycle?...I literally kicked a dent in the drivers side door of a white mercury marquis because the driver was suddenly encroaching into the lane I was in...the fast lane of 3 lanes on I-95 and nearly crushed me and my bike into a cement barrier wall at 80mph...and get this...no lie....he had an oxygen mask on...with nap drool dried up and crusted to the side of his face (that's how close-up and personal I was too him) and it was like he nodded out with his head laid up against his own window and my kick to his door finally woke him up thank God!

We have an extremely well known (if not notorious) MC in this state...and they've ALL taken to carrying these (in sheaths on their sides) while riding their motorcycles...to stay alive....



ASP Batons...and if need be?...they will whip them out in a heartbeat to gain an inattentive drivers attention in a huge and immediate way...be they retirees on meds or talkers and/or?....if they "even witness" someone "Texting" and they are within reach...it's like that.

So like I mention...I'm not certain everyone would fully appreciate what it is I speak of here when I mention "Commuting"...I know other places are far more "congested and busier" than my area but...it's not a case of quantity but "quality" of the drivers...many of whom are elderly who aren't really sure how to get where they're going (because they're not really from here) yet they are still in a northern rush/hurry mode and often times on meds.

Now I know I painted a rather dramatically dismal picture here...but nevertheless?...it is the reality of my location and everyone I've mentioned "commuting" too?...family, friends, coworkers?....had basically the same thing to say....

"You're nuts...you're going to die...especially this time of year!"

so?...

"Veram vitam vivere Fullest Sed Caute procedere"