Who's seen the 'invisible' moon walking bear on www.youtube.com then Awareness Test?
If you have and still wear black or dark cycling gear you're more of a gambler than you think.
I'm sure that a High Viz bear would have had a greater chance to be spotted.
So for me riding in black gear for cycling, esp in winter gloom is the height of.........you fill in the dots.
High Viz or High Fashion?
Moderator: Moderators
And a few more tips - i see a lot of cyclists walking home and i don't know what frightens me more the ones with no lights or the ones who think they are visible but actually aren't
Tip1 If you wear a rucksack - forget about high viz anything. Combined with a semi crouched position you might as well not bother.
Tip 2 most lights are next to invisible unless positioned v carefully. Pointing downwards is obviously a no no but some people seem more at risk with their lights either threatening to fall off or go into spokes. And if its attached to your rucksack just assume no one can see it. If you are carrying it in your hand .........
Tip 3 just assume no one can see you full stop and grow eyes in the back of your head. Feeble lights are next to useless with lots of background "noise", especially going down a slight hill like towards Monkgate roundabout. I've seen cyclists set off from Monkbar and to all intents become invisible within seconds. Also nearly been run over crossing the road on foot at pedestrian crossing near Health Centre! If car drivers cant see a great big traffic light you can forget your back light, flashing or not.
Tip 4 lights with no batteries in them or some sort of glow worm are no good.
Some positive comments
Hi Viz or High Reflective really does show up in car headlights if not obstructed
Lights fixed at rear brake level seem most obvious (?) - especially the rectangular sort set "sideways on"
Most front lights seem fine for round town - no need for monster floods. In fact the people with footie stadium setups i find quite hard to judge speed of / distance away. Don't know why. Perhaps because still quite rare or because people with them seem to think they provide a cloak of invincibility and ride around like maniacs?
Actually i have seen suprisingly few accidents at night - so maybe i have exaggerated slightly. However have to say riding in the dark is not my idea of fun!
Tip1 If you wear a rucksack - forget about high viz anything. Combined with a semi crouched position you might as well not bother.
Tip 2 most lights are next to invisible unless positioned v carefully. Pointing downwards is obviously a no no but some people seem more at risk with their lights either threatening to fall off or go into spokes. And if its attached to your rucksack just assume no one can see it. If you are carrying it in your hand .........
Tip 3 just assume no one can see you full stop and grow eyes in the back of your head. Feeble lights are next to useless with lots of background "noise", especially going down a slight hill like towards Monkgate roundabout. I've seen cyclists set off from Monkbar and to all intents become invisible within seconds. Also nearly been run over crossing the road on foot at pedestrian crossing near Health Centre! If car drivers cant see a great big traffic light you can forget your back light, flashing or not.
Tip 4 lights with no batteries in them or some sort of glow worm are no good.
Some positive comments
Hi Viz or High Reflective really does show up in car headlights if not obstructed
Lights fixed at rear brake level seem most obvious (?) - especially the rectangular sort set "sideways on"
Most front lights seem fine for round town - no need for monster floods. In fact the people with footie stadium setups i find quite hard to judge speed of / distance away. Don't know why. Perhaps because still quite rare or because people with them seem to think they provide a cloak of invincibility and ride around like maniacs?
Actually i have seen suprisingly few accidents at night - so maybe i have exaggerated slightly. However have to say riding in the dark is not my idea of fun!