The firemens comments do surprise me. I'm no H&S fanatic by any means, but risk assessment and common sense tells me that a Hi-viz jacket makes you far more visible, which reduces the risk = safer. There is a reason that all motorway workers wether Police, traffic control, repair teams etc. have to wear Hi-viz and not black Ninja suits. But as you say personal choice and not mandatory for bikers yet.
Yes, I hate the POLITE vests. Hopefully DD will lessen his NERD score on me now, unless he's busy ordering more air filters or making NERDY handlebar muffs.
Ha now then! Was it you I've been reading about in the Northamptonshire Gazette fining motorists on the spot ?
I am surprised there has been no penalty introduced for impersonating a Police Officer when wearing a POLITE vest, another sneaky little stealth tax. Oops! Nearly went POLITICAL
Well I wear Hi viz overals and jacket for my job, my job is a sports photographer and I spend most of my day stood at the side of a motocross track taking photos of the riders as they come past and you would be amazed how many of them say that they didn't see me .....bearing in mind that I am usually no more than 6 feet away from them so it just shows that when somebody is concentrating on a different area no amount of hi viz makes a difference.
You're alive aren't you?? I did the same , never wore hivis cant remember about headlights and I survived too Extra protection against the elements too!
It seems I have a split personality - I wear hi viz biker jacket when on the Yam Diversion, and when on the Bonnie I am in jeans and leather jacket neither of which say polite on. I know which I prefer and my riding adjusts accordingly
Ha ha lol I like this one mate You hit the nail on the head It's why I've adopted the name DILLIGAF at my age and stage of life I've had enough of people telling me what to do and how to behave Do you're own thing mate Good on ya!! I'll stick with black though cos I don't wanna look like a nerdy f**kwit ha ha
Yes your right ! They wear Hi-Viz because their work place cover/insurance is invalidated if they don't! I know this because my wife worked in HR as pay and conditions officer !! And Hi-viz work wear is of doubtful benefit, there have been far to many incidents to ignore that fact ! I read an artical many years ago about headlights on or off, it was based on a University study/investigation ! It was a real eye opener I must say. Most people only see what they look for - and most are only looking for threats to their well being ! To most Bikes and Smaller objects/vehicles don't register as a threat ! Hence those Firies not being to sure Hi-viz works ! Cheers capt.
The Polite vests seem to say POLICE , police are a perceived threat !! So All Road User's pay attention !!! Even when peripheral vision is the only way the Polite vest is viewed it catches the subconscious minds attention which alerts US to "Threat" and we become "Conscious" of what IT is and Exactly Where it is ! We have all seen the 10 metre vehicle free Zone that magically appears around Police vehicles, even in heavy traffic !!! Cheers capt.
Been known to wear a high vis oversuit, figured it would only be used in dull weather in torrential rain when visibility is low. Guess in a free world you can dress how you like but I personally would not wear the polite vests as it does single you out for ridicule. As for those who wear them and deliberately make their bikes look like police bikes..... The suit in the picture got left on the ferry to Santander, not replaced it.
After donning flame proof suit ............. Since about 3 years ago I have always worn a Hi Viz jacket or vest when out on the Bike Complete with White full face helmet, and have always ridden with the headlight on. Maybe my experience has been different than some but I have found it to be a great advantage. I also rode a Blood Bike at weekends for 2 years complete with full reflective livery and blues ( never used them yet ). Still had tw@ts who didn't see me pulled out or changed lanes on the motorway with me alongside them in traffic, but a much lower percentage than in the previous years before wearing the Hi Vis. At the end of the day its your choice, to wear the Hi Vis or not.
I have a Hi-Viz vest which I sometimes wear when on the Tiger but would not wear it on the Bonnie. I don't really know why but I guess it's all down to personal choice. I'm amazed at the number of people I've seen recently on sports bikes wearing nothing but jeans, hoodies and trainers or better still the idiot who sped past me on the M3 in all the right gear apart from the complete lack of gloves!
