Hi-vis cycle gear?

[Metro Commuter]

I want to put this out there.

Recently I have had to spend more time driving a car, and it is usually between Newcastle and Raymond Terrace, or about Newcastle CBD.  I see plenty of cyclists, from racing cyclists, to urban commuters, to the Cycleways People, to weekend numpties.  What I have noticed is that the racing cyclists, when riding solo, are much less visible, and that is largely because a lot of the commuters and cycleways people seem to wear hi-vis outfits.

The sensible safe thing we should be doing is wearing hi-vis outfits, but we do not.  Why?

[Slow-K]

Hi Metro Commuter,


Been lurking on here a bit but thought i'd reply to this. I'm a keen rider /commuter but do not race .

I'm a regular commuter travelling along the pacific hwy. Over the years have worn different cycling gear including hi-vis jacket, especially for winter.

I stopped doing this as I experienced more driver abuse, things thrown at me and general level of aggro when wearing hi-vis gear.
I've since reverted to normal cycle clothing ( fairly colourful though) and   standard lights and  still cop some idiots but does not seem as bad.

So with hi-vis clothing drivers must notice me more, which is good, but not if there going to abuse me.

Cheers

[spandexcstacy]

Hi Slow-K.

It's good to come out of the closet (ask Commuter)- welcome aboard!

It seems crazy that you have had to stop doing something that is safe and smart,
as it has rendered you an easier target!

That is just plain wrong.

Enjoy your commuting,

Spandexcstacy

[Boostland]

I was seen wearing my hi-viz yellow Apollo commonwealth bank classic jersey today, decided as it was going to be dark, wet and dirty the old gear should be worn.

Did not cop any abuse from motorists, but I did cop a bit of a razzing for cracking after 1 lap in a 4 lap handicap.

Spent the afternoon cleaning my bike and emptying the water out of my wheels, the rims had quite a lot in them and having to repack the bearings in them as well as they also filled with water.

[The Ferret]

Metro,

Some people should not be seen in lycra at all......... let alone bright stuff. Shalom

Your friend

The Ferret

[Metro Commuter]

Ferret,

That is no way to refer to Boostie - remember, he wore black socks long before Mellow Johnny.

Back to topic.

I recall going for a long ride with three work acquaintances.  Three of us were wearing deep blue coloured tops  - horrible Netti gear - and the other was wearing the identical top but in a bright yellow colour.  Riding up the road over Sugerloaf I was, as I often am, some distance behind my friends on the ascent.  I looked up, and could see only the guy in yellow, even though all three had stopped to wait for me.  The distance between me and them was not great, and in a car travelling at 80 kph the difference between when the yellow top was visible and the bule tops were visible would have been significant.