The bright vest of visibility

A firm I used to know (Heavy haulage) used to have an ex. police bike (Honda PanEuropean), and replaced the blue lights with orange lights for escorting abnormal loads through cities. Replace the POLICE logos for "ESCORT VEHICLE", and remove the siren. One unique bike for escorting large HGV's through cities, and cutting through gridlocked traffic....

I once got a shot of it (after escorting a 85 foot trailer through Manchester....), put on a Hi-Vis jacket and white helmet, and the number of people who thought it was a bike copper was unbelievable. I got round Manchester M-Way gridlock hell in record time by putting on the orange lights, and filtering like mad... it could be also be described as "splitting the red sea of brake lights". Naughty I know, but good fun.

The Anti-fun Nazi brigade called VOSA put the fun to an end though, and forced the firm to use large escort vans with massive flashing lights.. A VOSA official wrote to the firm stating "An escort motorcycle would cause too much traffic disruption , and confuse car drivers into thinking it was an officer of the law. Please refrain from using the motorcycle, and use vans in the name of public safety......"

Is this not a crazy example of the Nanny state or what???

[mattSV]

I wear a full hi viz/reflective jacket at this time of year over the top of my winter gear, on the basis that if it does make just one more cage dirver notice me then it is a good thing - even if they are thinking look at that knob in the hi viz jacket.

I find that when driving a cage, I do tend to notice anyone wearing hi viz gear a lot easier than anyone who does not, however there are still a hell of a lot of drivers who do not seem to see me even with GT150 bulbs, hi viz, remus LOUD cans etc.

I also adopt Jelster's policy of using hi-beam when filtering on motorways/dual carriageways - when on single carriageways I tend to flash using the 'passing light' button to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.

Wearing hi-viz does not necessarily make me feel any safer - I still assume that I am invisible, and that everyone else on the road is out to kill me.

this might help make you a bit more visible, may also make you a few extra penny's on the side

[Sid Squid]

It's true that if someone's not looking at all they'll not see you whatever you wear, but that's hardly the point is it?

It's not the driver/whoever that doesn't look that matters, it's about being noticed by the person who did look but not properly, or didn't notice you when they did look.

That's where the issue of visibility is important.

I think it's a lengthy and unfair extrapolation to say that the issue of risk compensation extends to hi-vis clothing, why not argue that wearing leathers lulls riders into a false sense of security? Logic surely suggests it does - but could the effect really be calculated? And even if it could, would it possibly be a reasonable argument against their being worn?

Let's all ride in the buff, I know I'd be bloody careful.

[northwind]

The only time I'm really convinced it makes a big difference is in really bad visibility... Especially from behind. Sat at the lights or riding slowly on a dark road...

One thing, if you want to wear hi-viz, wear hi-viz... Don't just buy one of those useless yellow waistcoats from Oxfrod or Motrax. The Sam Brown belts you see in bike shops tend to be no better either. Marginally reflective is all you can call them. "Slight viz" maybe. Instead, go to a place that supplies real visibility gear for trades or emergency services, the difference is huge. To understand the difference, look at the striping on police or ambulance gear- it almost hurts te eyes, it's so visible.

One of the stronger arguments for the "anti" side is that if someone doesn't see your lights, they won't see your vest. That's often right I think... Until you crash or break down on a dark road. The second you come off the bike in dark gear you're just a shadow. This is one place where if can really be life or death.

I agree it comes down to personal choice, but when considering it totally pragmatically and logically there isn't really a good reason for not wearing a high vis vest.

Aside from the attitude of feeling safer and 'guaranteed to be spotted' (which is a bit weak and I think (hope!) most people wouldn't subscribe to this logic) potentially being more conspicuous can't have a negative effect, IMO. The only other factor is image...which is fair enough.

This is why, for me, it is the riding conditions that decide which way the balance swings. Height of summer, also in a group, non-motorway for me not required. Motorway, fog, twilight, for me, I think yes.

I'm planning some advanced training for next year, which will probably have a more tangible effect but in the inspired words of the philsopher 'Tesco' : "Every little helps.."

Originally Posted by Grinch

Well I work on the fact that if they do hit me and I have all that gear on they might as well forget trying to deny it. Cause if they didn't see me then they wern't looking, Jax as has followed me in the car and with the jacket on she said you could see me from about a mile away. Even when I was just a dot, I was a very bright glowing dot.
After all it don't mater what you do, if they don't look they won't see you, this way I don't get missed on the casual glance.

I used to wear a full hi vis jacket. I was wearing this jacket, with headlights on, when a car (yes a Volvo) pulled out straight into my path. First thing he said............ "I didn't see you".

If they aint looking they wont see you, regardless of what you are wearing. I am also inclined to agree with jonboy. It can lead the rider into a false sense of security. I just ride with the thought firmly planted in my mind that I am invisable to ALL other road users and pedestrians.

According to the research shown in the link below, the best you can expect to get is up to a 37% reduction in injury.
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/conte...l/328/7444/857

As already mentioned every bit helps.

I seem to remember years ago there was talk of making hi-vis compulsory along with leg protectors.

Originally Posted by OldBoy

According to the research shown in the link below, the best you can expect to get is up to a 37% reduction in injury.
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/conte...l/328/7444/857

As already mentioned every bit helps.

I seem to remember years ago there was talk of making hi-vis compulsory along with leg protectors.

A 37% reduction in injury...how?...is the Hi-viz made from armour plate? I should coco.

Originally Posted by Foey

The reason i don't wear a vest is because i've always got a rucksack on my back, this cancels out the benefit of wearing one really, i believe they do a high vis rucksack cover which i must get round to finding.

Hein gericke do one it's there own brand rucksack