Oh no! My girlfriend is insisting that I wear hi viz!!!!

jonginge

DonDaddyD wrote:

Thanks Sara,

I think I'm going to task my girlfriend with finding that sheet in the form of a jacket. That should keep her busy giving me more time to do my manly stuff....

Also by that time it'll be too warm for a jacket*


* one can hope

CiB

When I was requested to wear a helmet on my back lanes commute, I did so grudgingly but dumped it in the hedge half a mile down the road and picked it up on the way back 39 miles later, and announced that I'd done so over dinner. Wasn't asked again, so that's that sorted.

Y'know, I miss her in some ways...

TheBrogueadier

My current high-vis consists of the almost unearthly pale blue of my skin suffering it's first exposure to the elements since what passed for last summer.

My GF backed down on the tabbard issue when I said I'd just buy this kit.

http://www.dashingtweeds.co.uk/dt/tailo ... fits-sub1/

Stylish, reflective, built for cycling..

What's not to like?

simon_e

I hadn't given this subject a great deal of thought until a colleague pointed out that in my dark green wicking t-shirt and black shorts/leggings I blended in with the hedge completely when he was 50-100 yards back. I've since noticed the same - anyone in plain dark clothes in front of you can disappear all too easily, even more so when the light is murky.

I didn't want to give following drivers any excuses so I cut up a freebie hi-viz belt that I can fit over my rucksack. At least now I have a 2" wide hi-viz vertical stripe on my back. Any new jerseys will have to be bright or light coloured, no more black or navy for me. Unfortunately quite a few of the ones I fancy are black <sigh>

salsajake

I was the same - unconvinced until driving behind someone without, though he had a dim light - didn't see him until about 50' away, but I was doing about 50mph, so that was a close call. When you come across someone with high viz on, its such a contrast it becomes a no-brainer, especially if you use unlit roads.

Soul Boy

DonDaddyD - heres Howies take on a black reflective jacket.....

http://www.howies.co.uk/product.php/747/8/ but it'll cost you!

Must admit to wearing dark colours, but do have the Howies reflective courier bag, twin rear and twin front lights, my eyes and ears.....

http://www.howies.co.uk/product.php/1798/92/

gtvlusso

My wife's insistance matches my indifference......however, I high viz it up anyway (except in summer!).

I am happy to give master classes in indifference....

Christophe3967

salsajake wrote:

Pearl Izumi high viz Gilet - superlight, beautifully made, totally breathable, adds warmth and is very visible. Adds a stash pocket to your repetoire too. I actually like wearing it!

+1 Excellent piece of kit.

jedster

I don't wear hi-viz very much mainly because it is ugly (just being honest here).
I do think that hi-viz, i.e., day-glo colours, does make you more visible and safer in certain lighting conditions. So I accept that, in these conditions, I'm taking a bit more risk by not wearing it. I like to think that my road awareness and fairly assertive cycling makes up for it.

BTW, the conditions are in dull, grey conditions rather than the dark. High-viz does little in the dark - you need reflectives for that. Equally reflectives are useless unless people are using headlights in fairly dark conditions. In dull, overcast conditions, particularly early or late in the day, or when it is raining, I think high viz is much more easily seen than even bright conventional colours.

I do carry a montane velo jacket in high viz - windproof, packs smaller than an apple - in my bag and if light conditions are really bad I do sometimes put it on.

This has proven a very effective way of placating my missus...

I thnk LiT is being very naughty telling us to tell our other halves where to get off - it's an absolute schoolboy error to take these issue head on, finding a neat sidestep is a much savvier bet. I reckon she is completely aware of this and is just throwing a grenade in out of pure mischieve-making :twisted:
J

rhext

Re black reflectives, I have some Polaris leggings with reflective grey-black material stripes down the sides. Look black, feel like ordinary lycra, light up like a christmas tree in headlights. Brilliant, but not seen them in the shops for a while.

spen666

Chewy Cheeks wrote:

....

Maybe a shiny black jacket but you will be looking a bit like a commuter focused S&M service, is that what you want?

.....

Yes Yes yes

Where do I get that outfit?

simon_e

jedster wrote:

the conditions are in dull, grey conditions rather than the dark. High-viz does little in the dark - you need reflectives for that. Equally reflectives are useless unless people are using headlights in fairly dark conditions. In dull, overcast conditions, particularly early or late in the day, or when it is raining, I think high viz is much more easily seen than even bright conventional colours.

Yep, reflectives only really work in proper dark and even then only when car headlights are pointing the right way.

The worst conditions for rider visibility seem to be dull, flat light when the light level is low. I find there are times when a black-clad rider melts all too easily into the surroundings.

I'm also conscious that a driver could have a misted-up or dirty windscreen, they may come round a bend into the sun....

Road awareness, eyes & ears, a cat-like number of lives, call it what you will but it won't make up for someone not seeing you. I certailny don't think hi-viz should be compulsory but I would encourage everyone to make themselves visible on the road.

linsen

You don't need to wear luminous yellow to get noticed on a bike DDD - just ask Blondie

This season I shall mostly be wearing


In all seriousness, if someone cares about you then they will want you to be safe, that's normal.

And as an aside - MTFU and don't turn yourself into a doormat - she won't thank you for it in the long run

biondino

I love my brightly coloured, "interestingly" designed vintage tops! And you will always get noticed, no worries. I've bought at least 15 now and there's not a black one among them (actually there is, but it also has several different shades of neon on it so I reckon that's okay).

the_hundredth_idiot

linsen wrote:

And as an aside - MTFU and don't turn yourself into a doormat - she won't thank you for it in the long run

I think you need to check your calendar! April Fools' Day was yesterday. We're not falling for that trick. Not again. :shock:

NGale

linsen wrote:

You don't need to wear luminous yellow to get noticed on a bike DDD - just ask Blondie

This season I shall mostly be wearing

OMG!!! I want one!!!

DonDaddyD

linsen wrote:

And as an aside - MTFU and don't turn yourself into a doormat - she won't thank you for it in the long run

Linsen, there are many many things I MTFU and put my foot down on (playing X-box, cycling in general, giving up the car and spending money on the bike, comics, my PC etc). But if she is willing to buy me a jacket (albeit a hi viz one, unless I skillfully steer her away from the idea but keep to the promise of buying me a coat/gillet) then I'm not going to get all Man'o'House and shoot my foot off. I like jackets, collect them I normally have around 12 - 14 coats...

Plus she's only trying to do something nice, no need to throw that back in her face in a fit of tarty rage I also still want dinner, lunch for work and my shirt ironed....

8)

biondino

I love my Descente hi-viz jacket but I don't know if anywhere sells them any more (I'd totally buy another for when this one gives up the ghost).

jonginge

DonDaddyD wrote:

linsen wrote:

And as an aside - MTFU and don't turn yourself into a doormat - she won't thank you for it in the long run

Linsen, there are many many things I MTFU and put my foot down on (playing X-box, cycling in general, giving up the car and spending money on the bike, comics, my PC etc). But if she is willing to buy me a jacket (albeit a hi viz one, unless I skillfully steer her away from the idea) then I'm not going to get all Man'o'House and shoot my foot off. I like jackets, collect them I normally have around 12 - 14 coats...

Plus she's only trying to do something nice, no need to throw that back in her face in a fit of tarty rage I also still want dinner, lunch for work and my shirt ironed....

8)

In which case, have I got a hi-viz jacket for you...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Caste ... 360038051/

linsen

DDD I was only joshing you

linsen

NGale wrote:

linsen wrote:

You don't need to wear luminous yellow to get noticed on a bike DDD - just ask Blondie

This season I shall mostly be wearing

OMG!!! I want one!!!

http://www.foska.com/road-jerseys/womens/

I don't mind you copying me

steve77uk

DonDaddyD wrote:

My girlfriend worries about me when commuting. The stories of SCR battles and chasing London Dynamo's doesn't hope, nor has the recent late night beery journey home from the Mopeth.

SO she has insisted that I wear Hi Viz, I could say no but even I don't have the strength of will to withstand that arguement.

I don't want one of those god awful yellow jackets is there any other suggestions?

So what is so wrong with wearing a hi-vis yellow jacket?

Surely it is better to be seen that not on the roads? I wouldn't think twice about not wearing it. When I am in the car and there is a cylist wearing all black I often wonder if (s)he is mad? I thought safety would come first before fashon?

Maybe I just don't understand, but having had to deal with crashes involving cyclists, I do everything I can to be seen.

I don't see why it is a problem not just to wear it, it keeps you safe and the person who cares about you happy too!?

/waiting for the apparent backlash/

andy83

altura night vision in black

get her to drive behind you and see if the light being reflected of the jacket dont do the trip


job done

DonDaddyD

steve77uk wrote:

DonDaddyD wrote:

My girlfriend worries about me when commuting. The stories of SCR battles and chasing London Dynamo's doesn't hope, nor has the recent late night beery journey home from the Mopeth.

SO she has insisted that I wear Hi Viz, I could say no but even I don't have the strength of will to withstand that arguement.

I don't want one of those god awful yellow jackets is there any other suggestions?

So what is so wrong with wearing a hi-vis yellow jacket?

Surely it is better to be seen that not on the roads? I wouldn't think twice about not wearing it. When I am in the car and there is a cylist wearing all black I often wonder if (s)he is mad? I thought safety would come first before fashon?

Maybe I just don't understand, but having had to deal with crashes involving cyclists, I do everything I can to be seen.

I don't see why it is a problem not just to wear it, it keeps you safe and the person who cares about you happy too!?

/waiting for the apparent backlash/

When I'm driving, I can see all the other vehicles ahead of me even the black and green, grey and white ones (colours that tend to blend into the ambient background). I can see the pedestrians not only on the pavement but also the ones on the road. At night I can even see traffic lights.

None of the above are advised or recommended that they wear hi-viz. I don't need to be hi-vizzed, much like my TV doesn't need to be HD (though it has that capability). All I need to be when cycling is visible, reflective surfaces, bright clothing (at night), and lights (four of them) are sufficient enough IMO.

jimmypippa

DonDaddyD wrote:

So what is so wrong with wearing a hi-vis yellow jacket?

Surely it is better to be seen that not on the roads? I wouldn't think twice about not wearing it. When I am in the car and there is a cylist wearing all black I often wonder if (s)he is mad? I thought safety would come first before fashon?

Maybe I just don't understand, but having had to deal with crashes involving cyclists, I do everything I can to be seen.

I don't see why it is a problem not just to wear it, it keeps you safe and the person who cares about you happy too!?

/waiting for the apparent backlash/

When I'm driving, I can see all the other vehicles ahead of me even the black and green, grey and white ones (colours that tend to blend into the ambient background). I can see the pedestrians not only on the pavement but also the ones on the road. At night I can even see traffic lights.

None of the above are advised or recommended that they wear hi-viz. I don't need to be hi-vizzed, much like my TV doesn't need to be HD (though it has that capability). All I need to be when cycling is visible, reflective surfaces, bright clothing (at night), and lights (four of them) are sufficient enough IMO.[/quote]

I like to think that I can see vehicles around me too, but I find that I can see cyclists in high vis easier, and earlier and a lot better in murky weather. And in twilight, when headlights should be used but often aren't.

I want to make it as easy as possible for a driver to see me, even if their attention isn't 100% on the road.

I also know that ninjas are a bloody menace, and sometimes are hard for me to see even on a bike, where (due to speed differences), I have a lot more time to see tham than a car might have to see me (the uphill bit of my commute with the 50-limit for example).




I don't think of my commute as a fashion parade (a colleague did describe my "look" as like "an extra in a 1970's camp German Science Fiction film").

Also, as I have kids, I want them to be visible when cycling, and if I want them to do that, I feel I should. (Ditto helmets).

NGale

linsen wrote:

NGale wrote:

linsen wrote:

You don't need to wear luminous yellow to get noticed on a bike DDD - just ask Blondie

This season I shall mostly be wearing

OMG!!! I want one!!!

http://www.foska.com/road-jerseys/womens/

I don't mind you copying me

I see there is one avaliable with Dennis The Menace as well....must have that one as well!

Jay dubbleU

NGale wrote:

linsen wrote:

NGale wrote:

linsen wrote:

You don't need to wear luminous yellow to get noticed on a bike DDD - just ask Blondie

This season I shall mostly be wearing

OMG!!! I want one!!!

http://www.foska.com/road-jerseys/womens/

I don't mind you copying me

I see there is one avaliable with Dennis The Menace as well....must have that one as well!

I'm going for the Pirate HV when they get my size in stock - Aaaaaaaaaaaah

DonDaddyD

If I get knocked over and the motorist says "Sorry mate didn't see you" (as they always do regardless of what the cyclist is wearing) and they say this despite my four lights, bright red bike, 2 bike lights, red helmet complete with 2 additional lights, usually bright white race cape and reflective surfaces on clothing and commuting bag (that comprises the strap and a large part of the bag itself - its huge)...

If I get hit and I come on here and complain about it... all you pro-hi-viz bunch are more than welcome to say "I told you so." And you can do this as though no one wearing hi-viz has ever been hit by a car that hasn't seen them.... :roll:

Like a helmet doesn't protect the head from all head injuries, wearing hi-viz doesn't mean that I'm now protected from getting hit by a car.

I'm now looking for a coat in thered variety...

NGale

DonDaddyD wrote:

If I get knocked over and the motorist says "Sorry mate didn't see you" (as they always do regardless of what the cyclist is wearing) and they say this despite my four lights, bright red bike, 2 bike lights, red helmet complete with 2 additional lights, usually bright white race cape and reflective surfaces on clothing and commuting bag (that comprises the strap and a large part of the bag itself - its huge)...

If I get hit and I come on here and complain about it... all you pro-hi-viz bunch are more than welcome to say "I told you so." And you can do this as though no one wearing hi-viz has ever been hit by a car that hasn't seen them.... :roll:

Like a helmet doesn't protect the head from all head injuries, wearing hi-viz doesn't mean that I'm now protected from getting hit by a car.

I'm now looking for a coat in thered variety...

I wear a high viz out of choice. but then I would say that as long as you are visable and not dressed like a ninja in the night you have about as much chance as being hit as me

petegoodyear

NGale wrote:

DonDaddyD wrote:

If I get knocked over and the motorist says "Sorry mate didn't see you" (as they always do regardless of what the cyclist is wearing) and they say this despite my four lights, bright red bike, 2 bike lights, red helmet complete with 2 additional lights, usually bright white race cape and reflective surfaces on clothing and commuting bag (that comprises the strap and a large part of the bag itself - its huge)...

If I get hit and I come on here and complain about it... all you pro-hi-viz bunch are more than welcome to say "I told you so." And you can do this as though no one wearing hi-viz has ever been hit by a car that hasn't seen them.... :roll:

Like a helmet doesn't protect the head from all head injuries, wearing hi-viz doesn't mean that I'm now protected from getting hit by a car.

I'm now looking for a coat in thered variety...

I wear a high viz out of choice. but then I would say that as long as you are visable and not dressed like a ninja in the night you have about as much chance as being hit as me

riding like a ninja might work. i would ride back from the pub sometimes, black head to toe on a black bike, but with lights, but then its quite where i live, maybe pass a car or 2 the whole way home. if you feel like you cant be seen enough, then use high-vis. i think i would see you on the road with the number of lights you got.

but the marmite jersey might distract.