Who doesn't wear fluro?

Pituophis

Always black shorts or longs, but with a bright top in daylight.
A fluro jacket in the dark, but only because its covered in reflective patches. I've recently taken to putting some reflective bands around my ankles at night too, but god knows what effect this has!?
I only switched to this jacket this year after a few close calls despite decent quality lights, and although there's no concrete evidence to prove it, I think I have had far fewer near misses.
I thought I would feel like an idiot in the jacket but five minutes into the first ride I had forgotten all about it.

thiscocks

Jonny_Trousers wrote:

There seems to be a fair amount of excuse making going on in this thread. If you don't want to wear fluro because you don't like the look of it that is entirely your prerogative, but this cobblers about the way motorists have developed as a species to no longer notice hi-viz, or that in wearing it you are lulling yourself into a false sense of security... really?

Off topic, but I do think using epically bright lights on the bike to be pretty selfish. A guy passed me the other day and it was like I was riding behind a car with a flashing fog lamp. Thoroughly unpleasant.

Agree. Not a fan of flashing lights either and dont get me started on cars with foglights on!

ai_1

thiscocks wrote:

Jonny_Trousers wrote:

There seems to be a fair amount of excuse making going on in this thread. If you don't want to wear fluro because you don't like the look of it that is entirely your prerogative, but this cobblers about the way motorists have developed as a species to no longer notice hi-viz, or that in wearing it you are lulling yourself into a false sense of security... really?

Off topic, but I do think using epically bright lights on the bike to be pretty selfish. A guy passed me the other day and it was like I was riding behind a car with a flashing fog lamp. Thoroughly unpleasant.

Agree. Not a fan of flashing lights either and dont get me started on cars with foglights on!

Agreed on both points

iron-clover

I'm not a great fan of fluro clothes in all situations, although I do have a couple of fluorescent bits of kit either for wet/ poor visibility conditions, as well as for marshaling duties at local TTs or races.
I do always have a decent pair of 'being seen with' lights on the bike for if I do get caught out, and seem to be using them on most rides now the murk of winter is here.

However, all of my jerseys are bright colours- I hate all black outfits as it is very easy for a rider to dissapear into the scenery on wooded country lanes even on a bright summer day.

ben@31

iron-clover wrote:

.... as well as for marshaling duties at local TTs or races.

Ahhh, the hi-vis vest of power.
Turns a mild and meek old woman into the Gestapo fun-run police.

bendertherobot

Jonny_Trousers wrote:

There seems to be a fair amount of excuse making going on in this thread. If you don't want to wear fluro because you don't like the look of it that is entirely your prerogative, but this cobblers about the way motorists have developed as a species to no longer notice hi-viz, or that in wearing it you are lulling yourself into a false sense of security... really?

Off topic, but I do think using epically bright lights on the bike to be pretty selfish. A guy passed me the other day and it was like I was riding behind a car with a flashing fog lamp. Thoroughly unpleasant.

That's on topic, isn't it. And related to visibility at the point where the original topic, the colour of clothing, has become irrelevant because of the dark.

jgsi

bendertherobot wrote:

Jonny_Trousers wrote:

There seems to be a fair amount of excuse making going on in this thread. If you don't want to wear fluro because you don't like the look of it that is entirely your prerogative, but this cobblers about the way motorists have developed as a species to no longer notice hi-viz, or that in wearing it you are lulling yourself into a false sense of security... really?

Off topic, but I do think using epically bright lights on the bike to be pretty selfish. A guy passed me the other day and it was like I was riding behind a car with a flashing fog lamp. Thoroughly unpleasant.

That's on topic, isn't it. And related to visibility at the point where the original topic, the colour of clothing, has become irrelevant because of the dark.

I am not a fan of the bloody 'rules' but with all due respect if it was annoying you that much, dig in and pass him comes to mind?? How long were you 'stuck ' behind the jester then?

jonny_trousers

JGSI wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

Jonny_Trousers wrote:

There seems to be a fair amount of excuse making going on in this thread. If you don't want to wear fluro because you don't like the look of it that is entirely your prerogative, but this cobblers about the way motorists have developed as a species to no longer notice hi-viz, or that in wearing it you are lulling yourself into a false sense of security... really?

Off topic, but I do think using epically bright lights on the bike to be pretty selfish. A guy passed me the other day and it was like I was riding behind a car with a flashing fog lamp. Thoroughly unpleasant.

That's on topic, isn't it. And related to visibility at the point where the original topic, the colour of clothing, has become irrelevant because of the dark.

I am not a fan of the bloody 'rules' but with all due respect if it was annoying you that much, dig in and pass him comes to mind?? How long were you 'stuck ' behind the jester then?

Long enough for my eyeballs to be seared to the back of my skull. He was a far superior cyclist to me. Maybe I deserved to be blinded as a punishment for being overtaken. I'm sure he doesn't know the effect his back light has on cyclists behind him. I've now idea how strong mine are. It's the manufacturers who make lights with the power of the Death Star who maybe need to rein it in a little.

tangled_metal

You know what, I have never owned flouro or hi-viz clothing for cycling use. I have hi-viz vest (with reflective bands all over them) in the car for roadside incidents. A similar hi-viz coat too for winter use (if I can be bothered getting them out of storge). I just don;t have a cycling hi-viz.

Of course that means I must have had an accident or few over my countless years of going out on a bike. Funny thing about that, I have never had even a potentially serious incident. Guess there must be other factors going on. Perhaps my riding style/technique. Perhaps my reflectives and lights are sufficient. BTW I only got decent lights recently, about 3 years ago I got my first LED set the EL130 and front light versions that came with it in the set. It has only been this Autumn that I got a 300 lumen front light and a cateye xlight (25 lumens with nearly 360 visibility). Not the brightest combination out there but it works.

Look at it this way, whilst making yourself bright with bright colours might help in some circumstances it is not the only factor in keeping safe. Just like wearing other PPE as well but we won;t mention that one will we?!! Any comments about them saving your life is tosh! Anecdotal rubbish based on a perception of safety. REally? A yellow cag saved your life?? Made you seen? Drivers will see you if they look for you providing you have lights that are bright enough and visible at a wide angle. If you have reflectives and a car light hits them (dot them all over your bike and person). But the fluoro colour is just topping for your perceived safety only, the reflectives on them make more impact on safety IMHO.

BTW I reckon saying SMIDSY is the default defence for a dangerous and guilty driver. Get yourself insurance that includes legal as nothing will defend you against those drivers meeting you, try to at least have the means to defend your interests later on (IIRC good insurance will even allow your family to use it should you be unable to fight your corner youself - death or severe injury preventing you pursuing legal retribution, your family can do it in your name).

bendertherobot

The issue is that rears aren't built for letting other cyclists know you're there. They're built for the rest of the menace on the roads..........................

jonny_trousers

bendertherobot wrote:

The issue is that rears aren't built for letting other cyclists know you're there. They're built for the rest of the menace on the roads..........................

I'm pretty sure it's possible to have a rear light that draws attention to your presence without it being uncomfortable to look at for those behind you. It's only the odd, extreme light that bothers me.

cougie

Tangled Metal wrote:

Look at it this way, whilst making yourself bright with bright colours might help in some circumstances it is not the only factor in keeping safe. Just like wearing other PPE as well but we won;t mention that one will we?!! Any comments about them saving your life is tosh! Anecdotal rubbish based on a perception of safety. REally? A yellow cag saved your life?? Made you seen? Drivers will see you if they look for you providing you have lights that are bright enough and visible at a wide angle. If you have reflectives and a car light hits them (dot them all over your bike and person). But the fluoro colour is just topping for your perceived safety only, the reflectives on them make more impact on safety IMHO.

BTW I reckon saying SMIDSY is the default defence for a dangerous and guilty driver. Get yourself insurance that includes legal as nothing will defend you against those drivers meeting you, try to at least have the means to defend your interests later on (IIRC good insurance will even allow your family to use it should you be unable to fight your corner youself - death or severe injury preventing you pursuing legal retribution, your family can do it in your name).

I dont think anybody has said that fluo will save your life have they ? It is better for visibility in daylight though and thats got to be a good thing.


Insurance is an option - but I'd rather not arrive at that situation in the first place.

cougie

Pituophis wrote:

I've recently taken to putting some reflective bands around my ankles at night too, but god knows what effect this has!?

You should find that these bands are vey effective. Get your partner to follow you up the road in a car - or even just go into the back garden and get a flash photo taken and you'll get an idea.

whoof

How many differnet ways are there to shorten fluorescent?
So far I've seen fluoro, fluro, flouro and floor

Shuggy76

Glol, What a load of nonsense!
How does you not owning hi vis/fluoro clothing and never having an accident on your bike equate to fluoro/hi vis clothing not providing a degree of risk management?!

Tangled Metal wrote:

You know what, I have never owned flouro or hi-viz clothing for cycling use. I have hi-viz vest (with reflective bands all over them) in the car for roadside incidents. A similar hi-viz coat too for winter use (if I can be bothered getting them out of storge). I just don;t have a cycling hi-viz.

Of course that means I must have had an accident or few over my countless years of going out on a bike. Funny thing about that, I have never had even a potentially serious incident. Guess there must be other factors going on. Perhaps my riding style/technique. Perhaps my reflectives and lights are sufficient. BTW I only got decent lights recently, about 3 years ago I got my first LED set the EL130 and front light versions that came with it in the set. It has only been this Autumn that I got a 300 lumen front light and a cateye xlight (25 lumens with nearly 360 visibility). Not the brightest combination out there but it works.

Look at it this way, whilst making yourself bright with bright colours might help in some circumstances it is not the only factor in keeping safe. Just like wearing other PPE as well but we won;t mention that one will we?!! Any comments about them saving your life is tosh! Anecdotal rubbish based on a perception of safety. REally? A yellow cag saved your life?? Made you seen? Drivers will see you if they look for you providing you have lights that are bright enough and visible at a wide angle. If you have reflectives and a car light hits them (dot them all over your bike and person). But the fluoro colour is just topping for your perceived safety only, the reflectives on them make more impact on safety IMHO.

BTW I reckon saying SMIDSY is the default defence for a dangerous and guilty driver. Get yourself insurance that includes legal as nothing will defend you against those drivers meeting you, try to at least have the means to defend your interests later on (IIRC good insurance will even allow your family to use it should you be unable to fight your corner youself - death or severe injury preventing you pursuing legal retribution, your family can do it in your name).

cougie

whoof wrote:

How many differnet ways are there to shorten fluorescent?
So far I've seen fluoro, fluro, flouro and floor

I say fluo..

veronese68

cougie wrote:

whoof wrote:

How many differnet ways are there to shorten fluorescent?
So far I've seen fluoro, fluro, flouro and floor

I say fluo..

bright, dayglow?
I wanted to buy a pair of gloves with more reflective stuff on the back. the pair I found most comfortable were flaw-oh yellow but with no reflective bits. Not much good on a dark winter night.

Pross

Pituophis wrote:

Always black shorts or longs, but with a bright top in daylight.
A fluro jacket in the dark, but only because its covered in reflective patches. I've recently taken to putting some reflective bands around my ankles at night too, but god knows what effect this has!?
I only switched to this jacket this year after a few close calls despite decent quality lights, and although there's no concrete evidence to prove it, I think I have had far fewer near misses.
I thought I would feel like an idiot in the jacket but five minutes into the first ride I had forgotten all about it.

In my experience whilst driving I would say it is one of the most effective things a cyclist can wear. The movement catches the driver's eye and also the type of movement makes it easy to identify that you are seeing a cyclist.

roger_merriman

iPete wrote:

Ai_1 wrote:

I'm curious. How many of those who don't make a concious effort to wear bright colours/hi viz are also motorists and how many are not?

Yup but my effort has gone into good (but responsible lighting) and reflective materials.

This, lights have and are improving year on year. I chose clothes that work, and use lights to see and be seen. Modern lights that are bright with decent run times are not difficult to find.

ai_1

Tangled Metal wrote:

You know what, I have never owned flouro or hi-viz clothing for cycling use. I have hi-viz vest (with reflective bands all over them) in the car for roadside incidents. A similar hi-viz coat too for winter use (if I can be bothered getting them out of storge). I just don;t have a cycling hi-viz.

Presumably you rarely , if ever, have roadside incidents with the car. However you presumably ride your bike on the road regularly. You see the point in a hi-viz for the car but not on the bike. Can you explain?

Tangled Metal wrote:

....Of course that means I must have had an accident or few over my countless years of going out on a bike. Funny thing about that, I have never had even a potentially serious incident......

This is patently a load of illogical nonsense.
By this logic you must think you're going to live forever since you haven't died yet. If you toss a coin and it comes up heads do you assume it'll never come up tails? You're either having a laugh or you have absolutely no concept of probability or risk.

Tangled Metal wrote:

....Look at it this way, whilst making yourself bright with bright colours might help in some circumstances it is not the only factor in keeping safe.

Who said it was?

Tangled Metal wrote:

Look at it this way, whilst making yourself bright with bright colours might help in some circumstances it is not the only factor in keeping safe. Just like wearing other PPE as well but we won;t mention that one will we?!! Any comments about them saving your life is tosh! Anecdotal rubbish based on a perception of safety. REally? A yellow cag saved your life?? Made you seen? Drivers will see you if they look for you providing you have lights that are bright enough and visible at a wide angle. If you have reflectives and a car light hits them (dot them all over your bike and person). But the fluoro colour is just topping for your perceived safety only, the reflectives on them make more impact on safety IMHO.

Lots more nonsense....So, any comments about bright colours or PPE saving your life is tosh? If you're not seen and a car hits you - possible death. If you're seen due to improved visibility (and you accepted it can help "in some circumstances") then car is less likely to hit you and thus decreased probability of death. So, it's not only possible, it's certain that hi viz clothing/PPE saves lives. You're unlikely to identify specific cases since you'd be looking for what didn't happen. That doesn't make it untrue.
Non-reflective bright yellow clothing is not magical, no-one here is claiming otherwise. In daylight it aids visibility considerably. In dim conditions it still makes a significant difference and in the dark it makes some difference. In daylight reflectors are pretty pointless and lights need to be very bright to make much difference. In very dim conditions and in the dark both are very effective. Are we agreed? Or do you think this is wrong?

Tangled Metal wrote:

....BTW I reckon saying SMIDSY is the default defence for a dangerous and guilty driver. Get yourself insurance that includes legal as nothing will defend you against those drivers meeting you, try to at least have the means to defend your interests later on (IIRC good insurance will even allow your family to use it should you be unable to fight your corner youself - death or severe injury preventing you pursuing legal retribution, your family can do it in your name).

Kinda beside the point isn't it?

motogull

My non-summer top layer is a Venezuela jersey from Prendas, lot of white and red with some blue a yellow. Quite a loud one. If I go out before sun up, I'll put on a reflective yellow belt/band thing too. It flipping squeaks though, only worked out what it was when I got home again. Spent the ride thinking bike needed some attention.

tootsie323

cougie wrote:

whoof wrote:

How many differnet ways are there to shorten fluorescent?
So far I've seen fluoro, fluro, flouro and floor

I say fluo..

fl

bobmcstuff

I use "dayglo".

Or "Phluro"

alex222

I've seen 'manic' used on a U.S. website

BLW

I think it's safe to say that due to the amount of inpatient idiots driving about on the roads these days, making yourself more visible is only going to work in your favour.

I've seen countless occasions when both horse riders and cyclists are disguised in the murky shadows of the trees and head rows on sunny days, a simple hi viz jacket or top can make a real difference to someone behind a windscreen.

It's a no brainer in my eyes during early mornings, dusky evenings, misty, rainy days etc

ForumNewbie

BLW wrote:

I think it's safe to say that due to the amount of inpatient idiots driving about on the roads these days, making yourself more visible is only going to work in your favour.

I've seen countless occasions when both horse riders and cyclists are disguised in the murky shadows of the trees and head rows on sunny days, a simple hi viz jacket or top can make a real difference to someone behind a windscreen.

It's a no brainer in my eyes during early mornings, dusky evenings, misty, rainy days etc

Agree - and when it gets dark cyclists need good lights and reflective clothing as well to be seen.

itboffin

I've tried numerous combinations of bright clothing I'm now just wearing the right technical clothing for the conditions which tends to be black or red & white.
What I have done is upgrade my lights, front to see more than a few feet at a time in all conditions and all terrain.
The moon shield rear has been the real revelation, finally most cars give me room when passing, this has no effect of lorry drivers and WVM, in fact only this morning I had one leaning out of the window shouting abuse as he passed.
When I wore hi viz it was all unsuitable for fast long distance riding, not warm and barely wind proof and no one gave me any more room.

xscreamsuk

Interesting comment tonight. I was riding home from work on a well lit DC, when the wife passed me in the car. It was around 6pm so dark. I had 3 rear lights, Moon Comet and 2 smart things. Reflective strips on overshoes and on bottom of legs. Gabba short sleeve with reflective on that. I asked when I got home what she saw the most. She said the yellow top, then the reflectives on the legs. Pretty sure that on a dark road the reflectives would show up more, but the high vis was the first thing she noticed with the street lights. I have the gabba SS and the Fawesome vest, both in high vis, and both mainly for winter / commuting use.

simon_masterson

roger merriman wrote:

iPete wrote:

Ai_1 wrote:

I'm curious. How many of those who don't make a concious effort to wear bright colours/hi viz are also motorists and how many are not?

Yup but my effort has gone into good (but responsible lighting) and reflective materials.

This, lights have and are improving year on year. I chose clothes that work, and use lights to see and be seen. Modern lights that are bright with decent run times are not difficult to find.

This - just today bought a cheap CatEye TL135 (I think it is), and pleasantly surprised by it. Certainly not as solid even as the more expensive CatEye lights, but very bright. Nothing like the useless old bulb lights we used to use!

ben@31

whoof wrote:

How many differnet ways are there to shorten fluorescent?
So far I've seen fluoro, fluro, flouro and floor

The F.