What are you wearing? It doesn't seem to matter.

[Uni]

Interesting read. Tests in UK to see if high visibility clothing influenced the behavior of drivers in terms of passing distance

 

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/541390/study-finds-hi-viz-clothing-has-no-effect-on-driver-passing-distances.html

 

It's strange as I find I'm often more weary of guys in casual clothing (commuters) as I expect a person in Lycra to be better as holding their line - silly assumption I know,

 

Ride safe.

['Dale]

Weird result

[Lucky Luke.]

Surely the point is visibility not passing distance? High visibility clothing has a binary application. Either you're squashed or you're not.

 

Did they measure how many 3dclaudes vs 2dclaudes at the end of the study?

 

Yellow clothes will not make your nation's drivers any more considerate. I would have thought that was self-evident. A more significant and multi-pronged strategy would be required to achieve that.

Edited November 26, 2013 by Lucky Luke.

[patches]

So where can one get one of these...

 

http://siegelsuniforms.com/sites/default/files/339P.jpg

[Messier87]

I use a VERY bright flashing LED light that is quite visible in daylight and borders on irritation at night. I might just see what I want to see, but I do believe that cars tend to give me more space as their attention is specifically drawn to the cyclist on the side of the road. Rather safe than sorry...

[Ilana]

I use a VERY bright flashing LED light that is quite visible in daylight and borders on irritation at night. I might just see what I want to see, but I do believe that cars tend to give me more space as their attention is specifically drawn to the cyclist on the side of the road. Rather safe than sorry...

 

I find flashing LED lights, red and white, make it very hard to judge the distance of the rider on the road at night. Granted it is good for visibility but can be distracting and personally find it easier to see riders with non-strobe lighting on their bikes.

 

my2c

[DJR]

Too many questions.

 

A retrospective study of cycling accidents and deaths over a few years would be more significant.

 

Ask: How many cyclists run over? How many wore hi-viz clothing? Was it after dark?

 

That'll make more sense.

[patches]

Well for those with no dignity left, these could be an option...

 

http://www.glimmergear.com/arm-wear.html

 

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Arm-Warmers-with-Flashing-LEDs-by-Glimmer-Gear-Unisex-/00/s/NzIwWDk2MA==/$T2eC16d,!yUE9s6NFmWRBQp0hPyC5Q~~60_35.JPG

[Messier87]

I find flashing LED lights, red and white, make it very hard to judge the distance of the rider on the road at night.

 

Interesting. If this is the case flashing LEDs needs to be reconsidered. I'll look out for this next time I see a cyclist at night.

 

The OP's point (or rather the study quoted) that clothing doesn't really get a cyclist noticed means that clothing isn't necessarily the best option either.

 

Once, when not concentrating on driving, I looked down the road at an intersection and missed a motorcycle. Luckily he was awake when I pulled off. (Sorry mr. Biker) I suppose subconsciously my brain was searching for cars and didn't register the bike. Afterwards I specifically recalled looking in both directions. I have since tried to get noticed and not only be seen. A bicycle is even smaller to notice than a bike and more to the side of the road. "Busy" minds quickly scanning the road might well miss us if they concentrate on other road traffic ahead.

 

Or all us roadies must just convert to MTB.

[Bonus]

There was a documentary in the UK some years ago after some serious car accidents where people pulled out of side roads directly into the path of another vehicle.

 

The person pulling out swore blind they looked first, but the fact was that he/she pulled out dangerously and caused a serious accident. Often with a fatality.

 

The bottom line, after many tests with psychologists etc etc, was that it is possible to look right at a junction and see nothing, whilst there is actually something there to see. Had something to do with your brain "wanting there to be nothing there" and making up a picture to suit.

[Capricorn]

doesn't matter: if the driver is drunk, sleep deprived, distracted, or totally just not willing to give a fkc, you are fcked. end of story.

 

The best guard against fellow road users is awareness of them, and considerate road usage. There is no jacket, material color, drivers licence or light in the world that can solve the problem of lack of consideration and failure to be situationally aware.

 

Wear what you must, but don't be an incosiderate pest with blinding lights and crap: There is a limit to illumination beyond which it becomes an aggravation, and a danger. Be reasonable. Please.

Edited November 28, 2013 by Capricorn

[RockCoach]

There is only one thing in my experience which makes drivers give you more space and it's not clothing...

 

When I was commuting a number of years ago I found that the amount of space other vehicles gave me on the road was directly related to the speed I was travelling. Motorised vehicles tend to respect you more the closer you are to their speed.

[DJR]

There is only one thing in my experience which makes drivers give you more space and it's not clothing...

 

When I was commuting a number of years ago I found that the amount of space other vehicles gave me on the road was directly related to the speed I was travelling. Motorised vehicles tend to respect you more the closer you are to their speed.

 

Yes, I agree about the speed.

 

A bright flashing rear light seems to make a difference also when they approach you from behind.