Remember kids... always wear a helmet. (The almighty bikeradar helmet thread)

Using my own eyes as a test (driving around New Forest, tree laden roads with lots of shadow even in the day) yes high vis is much easier for me to see than a rider wearing all black.
Yes I can see the rider dressed in black but not until I am nearer and it helps if I can see the rider well in advance so if it helps me it will help less observant drivers too. I also notice different behaviour from drivers - but that is too much anecdotal.

And to keep on helmet topic, I don't wear a helmet.

What about in London where there are street lights, lights from cars and traffic lights, do you have any evidence that hivis helps is that situation?

As I said, the problem is looking but not seeing.

This many time over.

It only work if the person keep their eyes open.

http://road.cc/content/news/12065-report-dft-casualty-stats-says-cyclists-not-blame-93-cent-cases

^^ makes sense. Ninjas are renowned for their impeccable balance and speed. It stands to reason that they are less likely to get hit.

^^ speak for yourself

So you have never driven over the speed limit or ever used a mobile phone when driving? (Not that I am condoning either of those actions.)

(Also my earlier point was about bright clothing, not necessarily hi-viz.)

When driving I find the reflective stuff to be fantastic- you can see an "H" of light on motorway workers jackets from a very great distance.

But, and it's a big but, the reflective stuff needs to be struck by a bright light.

I think a sensible mix of things is desirable- a nice bright (but not dazzling) light, some reflective strips (I usually wear a pair of trousers to cycle in which has reflective writing on the inner surface of the trouser leg, so when rolled up it makes your calf reflective, but at work they are normal smart trousers.

I never normally wear a helmet commuting, but do wear one when out in the lanes.

no i have not. often to the dismay of drivers behind me i might add.

I never normally wear a helmet commuting, but do wear one when out in the lanes.

How come?

Re visibility; I've been driving quite a lot in the countryside recently, at night, and every cyclist I see has shitty lights and maybe a grubby "hi-vis" top that might as well be a brown coat... But I've seen every one well in advance, if they're coming towards me I can even work out how wide their bars are by seeing their hands. Even the ones with no lights are visible. Is it because I'm a cyclist? Or do I have special powers?

it's probably due to the fact that you are driving well within the posted limits. this affords you the time and presence of mind to be aware of all the roads occupants and hazards.
twenty is plenty.

How do you know how many that you haven't seen?

I meant I've never suddenly realised there's a cyclist right in my path because I didn't spot them early enough.

I'll check the front grill in a bit though.

Isn't the key to being seen to contrast with the background? The eye is drawn to things that stand out, as well as to movement (and the occasional attractive ped). Therefore, shouldn't any contrasting colour do the trick? I suppose the argument is that there are very few buildings, cars and hedgerows that are fluorescent yellow. So it leaves the standard hi-vis palette as a pretty good contrast for most occasions, as unpleasant as it may look to some.

Having said that, I do tend to wear whatever I have to hand and put the lights and reflectives on the bike. And to come back to topic, I do wear a lid while commuting, with some more reflective tape. Though admittedly my helmet wearing is probably more out of habit from off-roading than a conscious desire to appear responsible to the masses. I am happy to stand corrected and change my ways if this is all a load of rubbish!

Doesn't it also mean that in an environment where every cyclist is in highvis, as well as an increasing number of pedestrians, street signs, etc that hi vis starts to blend into the background?

Doesn't it also mean that in an environment where every cyclist is in highvis, as well as an increasing number of pedestrians, street signs, etc that hi vis starts to blend into the background?

With all those distractions. A ninja cyclist will definitely be easy to miss.

B(oring)SB
Driving to pic up a new car in the pitch black of night yesterday. I spotted two roadies in Hi-Viz gilets, and with small saddle lights. Riding on the pavement. This irritates me. But its encouraged here, and they were going at an appropriate speed. So fair play. At the same time, and while admittedly a touch distracted, a guy on a hybrid, dressed as a ninja, and with no lights. Was riding tightly into the side of the road. Only really spotted him because my headlights hit a white wall he contrasted to. Crazy.

Last night I saw(well mostly heard actually) a guy riding along a road and under a railway bridge where all the lights were out. He had no lights, was all in black and was riding no-handed.
From the noise I heard, he rode into a kerb and fell off... I lol'd

I never normally wear a helmet commuting, but do wear one when out in the lanes.

How come?

I do the same because;

1. wearing a helmet makes me sweaty and my commuting/city riding doesn't usually make me sweaty. (Although now it's winter and because my GF has mentioned it I'll probably start wearing one with a hat underneath).

2. I assume (rightly or wrongly) that I am more likely to suffer a side injury as a head one - even though the one time I've seriously stacked it I hit my head.

3. On longer rides I go fast enough that if I fall I think I need head protection.

I meant I've never suddenly realised there's a cyclist right in my path because I didn't spot them early enough.

I'll check the front grill in a bit though.

I have. At dusk in the late summer the other year I was turning right onto a minor road, I didn't spot the cyclist until I was already turning and effectively did an emergency stop. I'd waited at the junction and thought I'd looked down the road adequately and waited until the onwards cars had all passed. I don't remember being especially tired, rushing or anything. It was poor light, he had no illumination and I didn't spot him until the last moment*.

I don't think it's something that happens when you're riding along a straight road. The dangers are where there are junctions and corners.

• just to be clear I'm not saying if I'd have hit that guy the onus should have been shifted to him.
  

If only they were wearing hi viz. And helmets.

It's ok, they're in primary

School?

Colours?

Invisible! Bike! Helmets!

http://jalopnik.com/swedes-develop-invisible-bike-helmet-1460189477

I dont want to wear a scarf in the summer.

MMMMMM optional helmet.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/HEPXPRH/planet_x_pro_road_helmet

has anyone purchased one of these? opinions?

http://www.drivingwithoutdying.com

Would never have shopped there had I been aware... More importantly Wiggle never included Haribo with any of my orders. Cunts.

Alright! No need to get all suicidal over it. Jeez.