Getting visible for summer....

jeepie

I started my forum dabbling with a post on getting visible in winter. I felt a lot safer after taking the advice I received and loaded up on some great lights Smart 1/2 Watt LED, Fenix torches and Knogs...

So now that the clocks are changing and it's going to be light for my commute what would you do to keep visible? I am assume lights are not effective due to the sun? Is that correct? Is it all just about high viz gear then? Any other tips?

Cheers

J

jinnan_tonnix

I use a yellow shell jacket when it's below 10'C, and a fluorescent/Scotchlight bib when it's warmer.

There's no denying the yellow stands out, and everybody who sees yellow on the road knows there's a person inside. That's my theory, at least.

Next autumn I'm going to get a powerflare. http://www.powerflare.com/

Rich158

Any bright colours should do. The yellow vest/jackets do stand out in the gloom of early morning late evening particularly well, but I think anything that results in a high contrast between yourself and your surroundings should be ok.

Feltup

I still ride with my back light on for those times when it is really sunny but then you dive into shade.

CompuTech007

There are some colors that appear to be bright and vivid however... color diferentiated (color blind) people may see some of these as a shade of brownish. Like on the Cannondale Morphis Jacket (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0326647106) I bought this and it is fairly bright. I asked one of my two color differentiated sons to tell me what color it was...he said it was a muddy, light brown but sort of bright. Interesting!

jeepie

WOW - those powerflares look very effective.

I'll just wear my high vis stuff and just have a few flashing lights one front and back as I guess the Fenix will have to go into hibernation as car users will not see the beam in the sun!

Thanks for the tips!

Eat My Dust

I don't bother worrying about visibily in daylight. If the numpties can't see you, they can't see you. I'm sure you could pour petrol over yourself and cycle down the street and you'd still get the close passes and the SMIDSY's!

jeepie

Very good point Eat My Dust. In fact this is my exact plan. I want to be able to say that the driver had no excuse not to see me as I'd done everything possible to make myself visible including doing a Thích Quảng Đức!

I'm fed up with the normal cop out of SMIDSY! What are you supposed to reply - oh well that's ok then.....

biondino

Unless you're cycling with a consistent background it's hard to imagine one colour scheme that'll stick out the most. Just don't wear camo gear!

always_tyred

biondino wrote:

Unless you're cycling with a consistent background it's hard to imagine one colour scheme that'll stick out the most. Just don't wear camo gear!

I think its been demonstrated that bright yellow is about the best, taking this into account, though. Someone, quick, look up the stats on colour of vehicle vs. accident rates and see if luminous yellow cars are best!

always_tyred

Jeepie wrote:

Very good point Eat My Dust. In fact this is my exact plan. I want to be able to say that the driver had no excuse not to see me as I'd done everything possible to make myself visible including doing a Thích Quảng Đức!

I'm fed up with the normal cop out of SMIDSY! What are you supposed to reply - oh well that's ok then.....

Oh, there are so many quips you can come back with... such as "don't admit that to your insurance company" or "which direction were you looking in then?"

A nice one if you are ever doored or nearly doored is "don't the mirrors work when the engine is off?"

A thread for smart arse replies to motorists, anyone?

Wooliferkins

You take some flack from mates cycling and non cycling but I found bright pink was the best colour for being seen. My old 90s ONCE kit stills screams,Cyclist! at surrounding traffic.

biondino

I have 2 bright pink tops now but am always on the hunt for the perfect pink bike attire!

downfader

Feltup wrote:

I still ride with my back light on for those times when it is really sunny but then you dive into shade.

Same here but with both on flash. Especially needed around here in the rain.

FyPunK

I use a Hi-Viz in winter but now the nights and mornings are brighter the cars appear to get closer as the light increases leaving me to the assumption that in daylight it makes no difference what colour you wear, indeed a chap did some research and found the more compotent you look the closer they come, he also found that long blonde wigs works wonders! My summer attire is generally darker than winter to co-ordinate with the bike.

downfader

FyPunK wrote:

Ihe also found that long blonde wigs works wonders!

..not that old tripe again. :roll:

jeepie

Cheers for the replies! I'm going for pink then! Also if you're on for it Downfader I'll do the wig thing as well. Post us a pic of your wig!

steve-m

I bleach my hair, unmissable, unless....

snooks

Just ride like you haven't been seen then make yourself seen when you're going to change lane, turn off etc

Having said that I've now got a bright flo jacket, and I "feel" safer when I'm signaling. A big yellow glow from my arm is much better than FA from my grey cycling jacket

FyPunK

I had to drive yesterday :shock:, picking some friends up from manc airport straight from work, saw a chap on a cycle dressed in yellow coming towards me on the other side of course, as I went past I noticed he had his rear strobe on, even tho it was daylight it was very effective at making him visible from behind, far more than his jacket.