Bright clothing, Varia, and brake hood mirror for me when I’m on the road. I want to be seen by drivers and I want to see the drivers’ actions behind me.
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Sorry to hear of your accident. That you are “only” walking wounded make you one of the lucky ones. Obviously Hi Vis clothing helps but only with drivers who are paying attention, Drivers on phones, at intersections, turning across lanes and overtaking on two lane roads don’t actually notice any of those things. Most of my adventures “off bike” have been caused in those circumstances. And the number of squashed traffic cones where I live are a testament to the care of many drivers.
I must admit that I no longer ride on roads that don’t have a separate bike lane or path (if I can help it). If I am going to a specific destination or training ride I always map it to maximize the cycle path options. And for country rides I know the routes with wide paved verges (preferably with a rumble strip).
It’s also obvious that many drivers target bikes. I did an event in Louisville where the same truck “coal rolled” the bike route twice while I was on it, with impunity.
Cyclists won’t change drivers attitudes, what’s needed is roads that have safe paths or verges. And that takes political will.
Whatever jersey is clean at the time, a couple of blinking red tail lights, a head on a swivel, ears attuned to oncoming traffic, always looking ahead and to the side for stupid human tricks, not riding at the wrong times or on the wrong roads, and riding where drivers are actually looking has kept me alive for almost four decades on New Jersey roads.
I’m convinced it is the last two of those that are the most important. It is exceedingly rare for me to be surprised by an overtaking vehicle, as well.
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I will no longer road ride without a hi-vis green jersey, vest, or jacket. All of my other jerseys have been permanently archived. Also, a bright red flasher light on the seatpost, and sometimes one clipped to the back of my helmet too.
If a really gray day, or coming home near dark, I use a strobed headlight. Was delayed by a flat one evening and was on the last mile home after dark. I proceeded after a stop sign, and the driver coming in the opposite direction shouted at me “Turn off that fckn flasher. You’re gonna give me a seizure!” So I guess it’s bright enough.
Mostly, I use all of these visual defenses so my wife’s attorney has an easier time if I’m DOA.
This makes a lot of sense, I think I’m going to get myself a pair.
Like others have said, motion matters. I say this less from experience of when I am/am not seen while cycling, and more from what I do see/notice. I’m guessing this is something from our reptile brains - we react to motion.
And while hi-vis stuff may not help, as per the studies, i’m still not going to join the folks I see riding with camouflage cycling jerseys… (I mostly see them on paths, not roads, but still)
a few years back a van turned in front of a friend who then crashed into it. police investigation was that they could not see me in the shade even though I had bright colors. I always rode with front and rear lights since.
fast forward, same thing happened to me a couple of years ago. In depositions the driver said he didnt see me because I must have been speeding.Never saw my bright front strobe light.
THAT, is just fucking STUPID
… deer hunting season …
Deer Hunting Season for me means there I places I don’t go, no matter how much Orange I wear, after a friend of mine had an arrow whiz past him on his mountain bike down here in the Pine Barrens - and he was lit up HiViz Safety Orange for JUST that reason; didn’t help
Don’t go running (or riding) on sandy trails
Please stick to the streets and roads that you’re used to
t-ultras had a good tip which is rock blue and red flashing lights like youre the cops.
i saw someone wearing white cycling shorts yesterday. that was confronting.
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