Today’s QoW is based on a suggestion from Premium Member Bruce Noah. Next week, we’ll report back on a few of our recent polls.
(We encourage you to submit you own QoW ideas using the Question of the Week Ideas link.)
Expert road cycling advice, since 2001
Today’s QoW is based on a suggestion from Premium Member Bruce Noah. Next week, we’ll report back on a few of our recent polls.
(We encourage you to submit you own QoW ideas using the Question of the Week Ideas link.)
I don’t believe cars give me any greater berth because of bright clothing but I do notice that cars seem to give me more respect with a headlight on, such as allowing me through an intersection.
It’s purely subjective and certainly counterintuitive, but I have felt that cars actually give me less room when I run a rear flasher in the daytime.
I observe that I get more space if I look back over my shoulder at approaching motorists. Of course this requires that I know they are appproaching. Actually looking at them is not important. What matters is them thinking I am looking at them.
The wife and I do mostly (95%+) tandem day riding and I know when we forget to turn on our flashing tail light on the tandem because cars give us much less room when they pass. I know some may say that is a subjective observation but I have been right 100% of the time. We are also always being complimented by drivers and cyclists alike on our tail light.
It depends on the motorist. Some give lots of room and some give little room. IMO wearing bright clothing and or using flashers makes one more visible and thus people are more aware. Whether this translates into a wider berth is unknown by me.
During the day I do not think it matters at all – at night it is a big thing. not clothes but lights and something reflecting like a belt. During the day, all you are doing it blinding your riding buddies and look like a bright yellow doof. I love when I see a barely visible tail light on during the day. Ride out in the lane where the right tire of the car would be and you will be seen.
I have noticed that when I wear a big shiny cross outside my clothing dangling quite a bit on my neck, I have almost zero encounters with aggressive drivers. It is to such an extent that I even get upset with myself when I forget. My city is predominantly Roman Catholic.
I always wear hi vis colors. Most drivers give me right of way or pass safely. A small amount of drivers don’t care at all. They fly by within inches. I could be wearing a flashing arrow on my back and they would still be careless. Dangerous idiots are out there. Be careful everyone and safe ride!
I now use a flasher. Have heard some comments that some of the flashers, especially front white ones, can be very irritating and affect some drivers negatively.
There seems to be some fairly strong evidence in some studies that by NOT wearing a helmet motorists give more room to cyclists. I’m going to continue to wear my helmet anyway. Sometimes my mantra while riding, and realizing that a motorist is anxious to get around me is,… “just don’t hit me.”
3 feet or 3 inches, either way I get to stay on my bike.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060911102200.htm